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Linux Desktops: Cinnamon vs. Unity By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published May 14, 2012 The Unity Linux desktop is best suited for newbies, while Cinnamon is ideal for intermediate and advanced users. Building Your Own Custom Ubuntu By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published May 7, 2012 Easy Ubuntu remastering tools enable you to create exactly the distro you want. Ubuntu 12.04 Wins Me Back By Matt Hartley | Features Article Published April 30, 2012 The Ubuntu release offers significant steps forward yet some improvements are still needed. Microsoft Supporting Open Source: Threat or Promise? By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published April 23, 2012 Having completely reversed itself, the software giant is now an active contributor to the Linux kernel. Open Source Office Apps: Calligra Suite vs LibreOffice By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published April 16, 2012 Is one of these open source office tools clearly better than the other? Proprietary Software for Linux: A Good Idea? By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published April 12, 2012 Many Linux users shun proprietary software written for Linux. Yet some of these apps are hard to replace. Linux Mint vs. Ubuntu: the Best Option? By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published April 2, 2012 One Linux distribution prizes stability and safety, while the other tends to be ahead of the curve. Android Apps in Linux Changes Everything By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published March 27, 2012 More software titles could means more Linux users. Do You Trust Your Linux Distro? By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published March 19, 2012 The Linux distribution called "anonymous OS" raises questions about open source security. The Linux Hardware Hurdle By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published March 12, 2012 Hardware compatibility can be a major issue for Linux users -- but users can take steps to change that. Is Ubuntu 12.04 a Linux Game Changer? By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published March 5, 2012 With improvements in Unity, the upcoming Ubuntu release has much to recommend it. Ubuntu-Android Phone: Canonical's Big Move? By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published February 27, 2012 With a few simple tweaks, the Ubuntu-Android phone could be a major player. Is Open Source Software Falling Short? By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published February 21, 2012 Can free open source software compete with its well-funded proprietary competitor? Do Linux Novelty Desktops Threaten Linux Adoption? By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published February 13, 2012 Recent moves by Canonical may not be beneficial for growing Linux market share. 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. |
