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More articles by Matt Hartley

Is Linux Spark Tablet An iPad Killer?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published February 6, 2012
Powered by Linux, the Spark tablet might prove to be little more than a toy. Yet it has greater potential.
Linux 3.2 Kernel: What To Consider Before Updating
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published January 30, 2012
A kernel update offers advantage, yet can also create big headaches without proper preparation and testing.
Has Firefox Lost Its Edge?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published January 16, 2012
Once an emerging darling, the open source browser is now beset by a troubling handful of issues.
Is Open Source Easier Than Commercial Software?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published January 11, 2012
Both approaches have their strengths, yet the issue of support appears to tip the balance.
Is Ubuntu's Bleeding Edge Hurting Linux?
By Matt Hartley | Features Article Published January 3, 2012
Problems occur with newer Linux enthusiasts who don't realize that installing the latest Linux release isn't always the best way forward.
Is Open Source WebOS an Android Killer?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published December 20, 2011
The release of WebOS with an open source license has the potential to change the mobile market.
Why We Need to Pay for Linux/FOSS
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published December 13, 2011
If we don’t challenge the stereotype of open source users as freeloaders, who will support the next dropped project we all depend on?
Freedom from Ubuntu with Debian Alternatives
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published December 5, 2011
Ubuntu is far from the only desktop Linux option.
Can Web Designers Use Linux to Build an Effective Site?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published November 21, 2011
Want to build a better website? We look at Linux tools that offer the graphics and development features you need to go open source all the way.
Ubuntu's Tablet Ambition: Doomed to Fail
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published November 14, 2011
Ubuntu's dreams of being a player in the tablet market appear to be destined to fail.
Does Desktop Linux Need a Steve Jobs?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published November 7, 2011
Given the diverse nature of Linux, could a single unifying figure help move it forward?
Does Software Availability Dictate the Best Distro?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published November 1, 2011
Do most Linux users really prefer one kind of package management over another?
Linux Malware: Are We There Yet?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published October 25, 2011
Many Linux users believe their system is safer than it truly is.
Is Ubuntu Becoming a Poor Man's OS X?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published October 17, 2011
Ubuntu allows users to save cash on both hardware and software.
Pros and Cons of Open Source Software
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published October 10, 2011
Does the cost advantage justify the limits on functionality?
Is the Ubuntu App Developer Portal a Game Changer?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published October 3, 2011
The new Ubuntu app portal has great potential but the flood of newbie software is worrisome.
Will Windows 8 'Secure Boot' Lessen Linux Adoption?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published September 26, 2011
Windows 8's Secure Boot function could hamper the use of desktop Linux.
Building the Ultimate Modern Linux Desktop
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published September 20, 2011
A veteran Linux user lists his choices for a top-flight desktop.
Is Ubuntu Driving Users Away?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published September 12, 2011
A Linux pundit realizes his resentments about the Ubuntu desktop are shared by a good number of Ubuntu users.
Bridging Linux and Windows: Top Apps
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published September 6, 2011
The dividing line between the Linux and Windows platforms gets thinner all the time.
Can Linux Compete in Tablets?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published August 30, 2011
Linux users turn their HP TouchPads into Ubuntu-powered devices, but what about app choice?  
Using Linux to Improve Energy Efficiency and Productivity
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published August 22, 2011
Tools like ZoneMinder, HEYU and Motion and boost your business’s energy efficiency.
Are Linux Users Smarter or is Everyone Else Just Lazy?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published August 15, 2011
Though some users claim the Linux desktop is difficult and complex, few real obstacles confront new users.
Linux Desktop Hits and Misses
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published August 1, 2011
Peripheral compatibility, software quality and community issues on the Linux desktop.
Choosing the Right Linux Distro for Your Business
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published July 25, 2011
Issues like support and desktop functionality are key factors for companies selecting a Linux distribution.
Flash Drive Linux vs. Standard Linux Desktops
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published July 18, 2011
Carrying your Linux OS on a flash drive has distinct advantages over the traditional desktop-based configuration.
Is Linux Mint a Better Choice than Ubuntu?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published July 12, 2011
Could the rapidly growing, user-friendly Linux distro attract converts away from the mighty Ubuntu?
20 Linux Alternatives for Common Windows Applications
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published July 5, 2011
A Linux pundit spotlights his favorite Linux alternatives to popular Windows software.
Will Google's OS Topple the Ubuntu Empire?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published June 27, 2011
Ubuntu's lack of a significant tablet presence appears to doom it in this fast-growing space.
A Linux User Tries Mac OS X
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published June 20, 2011
Realizing his household is filled with Apple products, a devout Linux user dips a toe in the water.
Why Does the Linux Desktop So Lack Proprietary Apps?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published June 13, 2011
The Linux desktop could benefit from certain Microsoft and Adobe applications, plus a few popular mainstream video game titles.
How's the Linux Desktop Doing?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published June 7, 2011
Forget worrying about the “year of the Linux desktop.” Is Linux ready for new users? 
Will Google's Chromebooks Play Well with Linux?
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published May 31, 2011
Google’s forthcoming Web-centric Chromebooks are likely to offer an overly controlled computing experience.
Should Your Business Remaster Its Own Linux Distro?
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published May 23, 2011
Companies can re-brand existing Linux distributions with their own corporate identity to enjoy marketing and functional advantages.
Does Microsoft's Skype Purchase Hurt the Linux Desktop?
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published May 16, 2011
What if Microsoft were to no longer maintain the Linux version of Skype?
How Ubuntu's Unity Can Be Improved
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published May 9, 2011
Ubuntu's developers could follow these tips to improve user experience for both existing and new Ubuntu users.
Why Is Ubuntu's Unity Squeezing out GNOME 3?
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published April 25, 2011
Given that Unity might be the Windows Vista of the Linux world, shouldn’t GNOME get more focus?
Best Linux Desktop Backup Utilities
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published April 18, 2011
Linux desktop backup software to have in place before the Big Crash.
Best Browsers for Linux
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published April 11, 2011
A review of the leading open source browsers, with recommendations for various user groups.
Problems Linux Enthusiasts Refuse to Address
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published April 4, 2011
A Linux expert points out the nagging problems that keep the open source desktop from wide adoption.
Top Linux Distros For Every Level User
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published March 14, 2011
Linux distributions for every level of expertise, along with some to recommend to newer users.
15 Must-Have Linux Desktop Apps
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published March 7, 2011
Linux downloads for work and play, from document sharing to music-video to communications.
Why a Linux Aficionado Uses an iPhone
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published February 28, 2011
A Linux expert realizes that blind loyalty to a platform has its limitations.
20 New User Misconceptions about Linux
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published February 21, 2011
Is Linux free of malware? Do you have to be a geek to use Linux? Does Linux make a political statement?
The Joy of Remastering your Own Linux Distro
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published February 14, 2011
Remastering your own Linux distribution offers advantages like control, security and efficiency.
Open Source Alternatives to Google
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published February 7, 2011
Google has a vise-grip on the Web. Are there really open source alternatives to everything it offers?
Ubuntu Embraces QT Toolkit: Blurring Linux Development?
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published January 24, 2011
Ubuntu succeeded with lots of GTK applications. Do we really want QT being tossed into the mix?
How Unemployed Developers Use Open Source to Get Hired
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published January 19, 2011
If you’re between developer jobs, contributing to an open source project is a great way to stay visible.
Top 20 Open Source Applications to Cut Business Costs
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published January 10, 2011
Open source software for project management, help desks, CRM, communications and more.
Switching to Linux (For the Right Reasons)
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published January 5, 2011
Linux isn’t malware-proof, nor does it mean you’ll never need to upgrade your hardware.
Why Linux Isn't Used in Broadcast Media
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published December 27, 2010
Broadcast media reflects the same attitudes toward Linux seen within much of the enterprise world, yet these attitudes will change as media creation moves online.
Ubuntu Myopia Continues Among Users
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published December 20, 2010
Ubuntu is a good Linux distribution, but does the large user community realize that there are others?
Non-Profits Lead The Way With Linux
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published December 13, 2010
Non-profits, schools and libraries have migrated to Linux to help the bottom line.
Linux Desktop and Google in 2011
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published December 6, 2010
Will Google be the driving force behind Linux adoption in 2011?
To the Clouds with Linux -- But Who Controls It?
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published November 24, 2010
Linux is already a factor in cloud computing, yet the major vendors seem to be single-handedly shaping its future in this emerging sector.
Windows Legacy Apps vs. Linux Desktop Adopters?
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published November 15, 2010
Linux offers a more challenging user experience yet also delivers more value, an expert opines.
Linux: Does Being Competitive with Windows Matter?
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published November 8, 2010
The Linux desktop may actually be hampered by its efforts to compete with Windows.
Improving The Linux Desktop: 20 Needed Fixes
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published November 1, 2010
The Linux desktop needs to focus on new users, improve wi-fi tools, work better with commercial software, among other necessary changes.
Boosting Ubuntu's Productivity: 20 Tips
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published October 19, 2010
Make the Ubuntu desktop more efficient and faster by eliminating keystrokes, data loss, and workstation downtime. Plus: help downloads for Ubuntu.
Top 20 Open Source Apps for Windows
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published October 11, 2010
Open source downloads for file zipping, audio, video, graphics, office productivity and more.
20 Reasons Linux Will Boom in a Post-Recession World
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published October 4, 2010
Linux will benefit due to total cost of ownership, cross platform compatibility, security, and other issues.
20 Linux Apps That Make the Desktop Easier
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published September 22, 2010
Focusing on both KDE and GNOME, Linux desktop apps that make daily use faster and more efficient.
Migrating a Small Business To Linux
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published September 7, 2010
Whether migrating to Linux is advisable depends on a given business’s priorities.
Top 20 Apps for GNOME Fans
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published August 24, 2010
Leading Linux downloads to improve the GNOME desktop’s speed and efficiency.
Desktop Linux: Great for the Environment, Bad for Economy?
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published August 10, 2010
Is using desktop Linux better for the environment and the economy than running Windows or Mac OS X?
Why is Ubuntu Succeeding Where Linspire Failed?
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published August 5, 2010
Linspire was the Ubuntu of its day, yet it failed despite using tactics that are now succeeding wildly for Ubuntu.
Living the Linux Lifestyle
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published July 26, 2010
What approach to computing (and life) prompts a person to use a Linux box on a daily basis?
Is Chrome OS a Threat to Ubuntu or Windows?
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published July 12, 2010
Actually, a look at the apparent plans for the open source OS suggests that its target is far wider than any one distribution or operating system.
Top Ten Apps That Make Linux Fun To Use
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published July 6, 2010
Break the dull Linux desktop habit -- audio-video, games, image editing, comics and more. Plus: what's your favorite Linux app?
Break your Ubuntu Addiction: Three Strong Distros
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published June 24, 2010
Before Ubuntu largely takes over the desktop Linux community, you may want to consider some other flavors.
Eight Ways GNOME Could be Improved
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published June 7, 2010
A longtime GNOME user suggests a number of improvements to the Linux desktop, some simple, some major.
Is GNOME or KDE Better for New Users?
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published May 17, 2010
The generally accepted myth that migrating Windows or OS X users should choose KDE over GNOME doesn’t make much sense.
Enterprise Linux
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published April 26, 2010
Enterprise Linux is the open source Linux operating system used by corporate and SMB clients for servers, desktops, workstations and mobile deployments.
Virtual Linux
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published March 11, 2010
Virtual Linux has many desktop uses, yet it’s really enterprises that are most actively driving virtual Linux’s development.
Why Business Resists Open Source
By Matt Hartley |  Article Published January 19, 2010
Sure, open source offers cheaper alternatives and freedom from vendor lock-in. But tendency of users to favor the familiar still gives legacy proprietary solutions an advantage.