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More articles by Matt Hartley

Ubuntu vs. Windows 8: Which Is Better Overall?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published May 20, 2013
It's much easier to find a system with Windows 8 pre-installed, but Ubuntu offers a better interface and better apps.
Chrome vs. Firefox
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published May 15, 2013
Which browser is better for desktop Linux users?
Ubuntu Software
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published May 6, 2013
These are some of the most useful applications available for Ubuntu Linux.
Ubuntu Drivers
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published April 29, 2013
These tips can help you find and install the Ubuntu drivers you need for video cards, printers, scanners and wireless devices.
How to Setup a USB Drive that Can Run or Install Ubuntu
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published April 22, 2013
If you're on Windows or a Mac and would like to give Ubuntu a try, follow these steps to install Ubuntu on a USB drive.
Ubuntu Software Center Explored
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published April 15, 2013
Find out where the Ubuntu Software Center came from, how it works and what alternatives are available.
Ubuntu File Sharing
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published April 8, 2013
These six tools allow you to share files across your local network or via the cloud.
Ubuntu Virtual Machine: Guest and Host
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published April 1, 2013
Thinking about running an Ubuntu virtual machine? Here are some things to consider.
OpenSUSE 12.3 vs. Ubuntu 13.04
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published March 25, 2013
While Ubuntu is still a great choice for newbies, OpenSUSE 12.3 is ideal for more advanced Linux users.
Dispelling FUD About Ubuntu
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published March 18, 2013
You don't have to love everything Ubuntu does, but don't forget its noteworthy achievements and contributions to the Linux community.
Ubuntu Display Server Fallout
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published March 11, 2013
The rivalry between Mir and Wayland could serve to make both projects stronger.
Google Chrome OS vs. Ubuntu
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published March 4, 2013
See how the two operating systems compare for installation, look and feel, and peripheral support.
Why the Ubuntu Tablet Is a Winner
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published February 25, 2013
The mobile versions of Ubuntu are impressive, but the OS may have more success on tablets than on smartphones.
Why More People Are Choosing Ubuntu
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published February 19, 2013
Ubuntu is succeeding in areas where many other desktop Linux distributions have failed.
The Impact of Microsoft Office for Ubuntu
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published February 11, 2013
If the rumors are true and Microsoft releases a version of Office for Ubuntu, what will that mean for enterprises, for Ubuntu and for competing products like LibreOffice and Google Docs?
Ubuntu: What They're Doing Right and Wrong
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published February 4, 2013
The Linux distribution does a great job with peripheral detection, community, easy backup, the Software Center and more.
Pros and Cons of a Ubuntu Rolling Release
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published January 29, 2013
Abandoning the time-based release schedule could provide easier access to bleeding-edge technology, but would it sacrifice stability?
Head-to-Head Desktop Comparison: Ubuntu 12.10 vs. OS X Mountain Lion
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published January 21, 2013
See how the two operating systems compare from a casual user's perspective with regards to installation, software and hardware.
How to Overcome Common Ubuntu Hassles
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published January 14, 2013
These suggestions can make it easier to choose your hardware, find the software you need, extend the battery life for your laptop, and more.
Is The New Ubuntu Phone An Android-Killer? Probably Not.
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published January 7, 2013
Canonical's Ubuntu phone faces some tough challenges if it wants to compete directly with iOS and Android for mainstream smartphone users.
How to Create a Bulletproof Ubuntu Installation
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published January 2, 2013
Tips on setting up a Ubuntu install you don't have to worry about it.
Top 10 Things Ubuntu Is Doing Right
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published December 17, 2012
Its Debian foundations, strong brand name, Canonical support and many other features are helping Ubuntu bring Linux to a wider audience.
Consequences of Dell Embracing Ubuntu
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published December 10, 2012
At this point, Dell offers only one compelling Ubuntu-based product for home users--not enough to show that it is taking desktop Linux seriously.
Is Ubuntu Software Management User Friendly?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published December 4, 2012
The Ubuntu Software Center offers some benefits for newbies, but it's missing some key functionality.
20 Ubuntu Apps For Daily Life
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published November 27, 2012
These are the applications I use every day on my Ubuntu system.
Proprietary Software for Ubuntu--What Will It Mean?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published November 21, 2012
Ubuntu-only versions of proprietary software could lead to a divide within the Linux community.
Will 2013 Be the Year of the Ubuntu Desktop?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published November 12, 2012
Linux continues to attract new desktop users, but significant challenges remain.
Absolutely Amazing Ubuntu Alternatives
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published November 5, 2012
Linux users live in an Ubuntu world, yet that doesn’t mean there aren’t great alternatives.
Will XP Users Shun Windows 8 in Favor of Ubuntu?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published October 30, 2012
While Ubuntu use is growing, a flood of new users is unlikely unless the open source community does a better job of getting the word out.
Protecting Your Ubuntu Desktop
By Matt Hartley | Security Article Published October 22, 2012
A quick guide to security on your Ubuntu Linux desktop.
Why Ubuntu's Donation Model is Brilliant
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published October 16, 2012
Ubuntu’s request for user donations could use some tweaks, yet it’s a system worth supporting.
Is Ubuntu Shutting Out Old PCs?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published October 8, 2012
While understandable, Ubuntu’s focus on newer hardware has a distinct downside.
Fallout from Ubuntu's New Shopping Lens
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published October 1, 2012
Ubuntu users are irritated (or worse) about the Amazon affiliate program. Yet there are solutions.
How I Saved a Mac Using Ubuntu
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published September 25, 2012
Strange but true: a Mac meltdown was prevented using a Linux desktop.
Getting the Most From Ubuntu: 20 Tips
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published September 17, 2012
Tricks, techniques and apps to supercharge your Ubuntu desktop.
Grudge Match: Ubuntu 12.10 vs openSUSE 12.2
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published September 10, 2012
Which of these Linux desktops is superior? That may depend on who’s using them.
20 Must Have Ubuntu Apps for Productivity
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published September 4, 2012
Linux desktop apps to help you work faster and more efficiently.
Top 10 Worst Applications for Ubuntu
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published August 27, 2012
These Ubuntu apps probably won’t be your personal favorites.
Division Within GNOME
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published August 22, 2012
Despite all the handwringing, GNOME just might survive after all.
15 Must Have Linux Applications
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published August 16, 2012
Essential Linux apps for the efficient open source desktop.
Three Top Ubuntu Alternatives
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published August 7, 2012
Sure, you like Ubuntu. But the Linux world offers more choices.
Rethinking Linux Hardware: Upgrade or Buy New?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published July 23, 2012
Using Linux gives users a wider array of hardware options.
MS Outlook vs Linux Alternatives: the Best Choice?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published July 17, 2012
The Linux alternatives to Microsoft's popular Outlook each have their strengths and weaknesses.
Must-Have Missing Features in Ubuntu
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published July 9, 2012
Users switching from Windows to Linux can use these alternatives to compensate for missing features.
Ubuntu Security: Is There a Threat?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published July 2, 2012
Tips on protecting Ubuntu and the Linux desktop.
Revisiting Skype For Linux
By Matt Hartley | Networks Article Published June 18, 2012
Is Skype still the best VoIP client for Linux now that it’s owned by Microsoft?
Why Microsoft's Metro Push Is Good for Linux
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published June 12, 2012
The Windows 8 interface may prompt a certain group of users to adopt the Linux desktop.
Remote Desktop Options for Linux
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published May 22, 2012
What's the best option for a remote Linux desktop?
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.