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Linux Desktops: Cinnamon vs. Unity
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on May 14, 2012
The Unity Linux desktop is best suited for newbies, while Cinnamon is ideal for intermediate and advanced users.
Fragmentation on the Linux Desktop (Is it Normal?)
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on May 08, 2012
The Linux desktop's many choices may make it appear chaotic.
Building Your Own Custom Ubuntu
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on May 07, 2012
Easy Ubuntu remastering tools enable you to create exactly the distro you want.
7 Reasons to Like and Dislike Ubuntu Unity
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on May 01, 2012
In its latest release, Unity is neither as hopeless as its detractors insist nor as extraordinary as its supporters claim.


Ubuntu 12.04 Delivers 5 Years of Enterprise Linux Desktop Support
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on April 26, 2012
Linux vendor aims to make it easier for companies to adopt the Linux desktop.
Mozilla Goes Silent for Firefox 12
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on April 24, 2012
New updating mechanism debuts for open source web browser.
Microsoft Supporting Open Source: Threat or Promise?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on April 23, 2012
Having completely reversed itself, the software giant is now an active contributor to the Linux kernel.
73 Open Source Apps You Can Use in the Cloud
By Cynthia Harvey | Open Source Article Published on April 18, 2012
Cloud-based open source apps and open source tools for managing cloud environments are now plentiful.
Linux Mint's Mate: GNOME 2 Lives Again
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on April 17, 2012
Linux Mint's Mate is the most successful of all the efforts to keep GNOME 2 alive.
Open Source Office Apps: Calligra Suite vs LibreOffice
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on 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 on April 12, 2012
Many Linux users shun proprietary software written for Linux. Yet some of these apps are hard to replace.
75 Open Source Replacements for Popular Small Business Software
By Cynthia Harvey | Open Source Article Published on April 10, 2012
These free apps can help SMBs lower costs while improving productivity.
Linux Kernel Developers Detail Top Gripes
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on April 04, 2012
Linux kernel development is a collaborative exercise, and developers have their fair share of pet peeves.
GNOME 3.4: A Question Searching for an Answer
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on April 03, 2012
GNOME 3.4 is full of small changes. But what these changes add up to is open to debate.
Who Are the 'Unknown' Linux Kernel Developers?
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on April 03, 2012
Microsoft joins the list of top Linux kernel developers in 2012, and there are many lesser known organization that also contribute.
Linux Mint vs. Ubuntu: the Best Option?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on April 02, 2012
One Linux distribution prizes stability and safety, while the other tends to be ahead of the curve.
Linux Mint's Cinnamon Recreates GNOME 2
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on March 27, 2012
With some needed improvements Cinnamon might become the main GNOME desktop. But it's not there yet.
Android Apps in Linux Changes Everything
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on March 27, 2012
More software titles could means more Linux users.
71 Top Commercial Open Source Projects
By Cynthia Harvey | Open Source Article Published on March 26, 2012
These open source projects reduce costs while offering professional support and other services many companies need.
Drupal's Plan for Open Source CMS Success
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on March 21, 2012
How do you build one of the world's most popular open source content management systems?
GNOME 2 vs. GNOME 3
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on March 19, 2012
Is GNOME 3 really an improvement over GNOME 2?
Linux 3.3 Boosts Linux Mobility
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on March 19, 2012
New Linux kernel release is out, bringing Android back into the fold after a two-year absence.
Do You Trust Your Linux Distro?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on March 19, 2012
The Linux distribution called "anonymous OS" raises questions about open source security.
Seven Tools for Improving Ubuntu Unity
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on March 13, 2012
Those who dislike Unity are finding ways to make it more like its ancestor GNOME 2.  
The Linux Hardware Hurdle
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on March 12, 2012
Hardware compatibility can be a major issue for Linux users -- but users can take steps to change that.
The GNOME 2 Zombie
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on March 05, 2012
Disappointment with GNOME 3 has users pining for GNOME 2. But it's not always wise to resurrect the dead.
Is Ubuntu 12.04 a Linux Game Changer?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on March 05, 2012
With improvements in Unity, the upcoming Ubuntu release has much to recommend it.
Why Distros Are (or Aren't) Using Ubuntu's Unity
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on February 28, 2012
Why do distributions decide to use or not use Unity? The answers aren't what you'd expect.
Ubuntu-Android Phone: Canonical's Big Move?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on February 27, 2012
With a few simple tweaks, the Ubuntu-Android phone could be a major player.
How Google Makes the Web Worldwide
By Mike Elgan | Open Source Article Published on February 22, 2012
Google Translate is changing the nature of personal and business interactions on an international basis.
Is Open Source Software Falling Short?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on February 21, 2012
Can free open source software compete with its well-funded proprietary competitor?
The KDE Death Watch
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on February 20, 2012
Ever since Kubuntu lost its funding from Canonical, people have been talking about the decline of KDE. Is the concern real?
55 Open Source Replacements for Photo and Graphics Tools
By Cynthia Harvey | Open Source Article Published on February 13, 2012
Open source apps to create, edit, organize and share images.
Why Isn't GNOME Listening?
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on February 13, 2012
What has GNOME learned from user reactions to GNOME 3? Apparently, only how to ignore feedback.
New Fedora Project Leader Sizes Up Linux
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on February 13, 2012
Understanding where Fedora Linux is now and where it's going is a goal for the new leader of Red Hat's community Linux project.
Do Linux Novelty Desktops Threaten Linux Adoption?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on February 13, 2012
Recent moves by Canonical may not be beneficial for growing Linux market share.
50 Open Source Tools That Could Help You Find (or Keep) a Valentine
By Cynthia Harvey | Open Source Article Published on February 07, 2012
Open source chocolate, poetry, jewelry and other software downloads for romantics.
Nine Rules for Designing a Linux Desktop
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on February 07, 2012
The Linux user revolts of recent times could be avoided by following these guidelines.
Firefox 11 Gets SPDY
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on February 06, 2012
Google's speed-enhancing SPDY protocol lands in upcoming version of Mozilla's open source browser.
Is Linux Spark Tablet An iPad Killer?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on February 06, 2012
Powered by Linux, the Spark tablet might prove to be little more than a toy. Yet it has greater potential.
The Dilemma of the Linux Desktop
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on January 31, 2012
Between Ubuntu's Unity and Linux Mint's Cinnamon, we have a snapshot of the Linux desktop in crisis.
Linux 3.2 Kernel: What To Consider Before Updating
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on January 30, 2012
A kernel update offers advantage, yet can also create big headaches without proper preparation and testing.
75 Open Source Apps That Could Improve Your Life
By Cynthia Harvey | Open Source Article Published on January 25, 2012
These open source apps can help you keep your resolutions to break bad computing habits, stick to a budget, and much more.
KDE vs. Windows 7
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on January 23, 2012
Can a free Linux desktop actually rival Windows 7?
92 Open Source Apps That Replace Everyday Software
By Cynthia Harvey | Open Source Article Published on January 18, 2012
Some of the best open source applications available for home, school, small business or enterprise users.
The Fragmentation of the Linux Desktop
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on January 17, 2012
Dissatisfaction with Unity and GNOME, among other factors, is wreaking havoc on the Linux desktop.
Has Firefox Lost Its Edge?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on January 16, 2012
Once an emerging darling, the open source browser is now beset by a troubling handful of issues.
Canonical Maps out Ubuntu Strategy at CES
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on January 11, 2012
TVs, cars, phones -- Ubuntu isn't just about Linux anymore. And, oh yeah, desktops, too.
Is Open Source Easier Than Commercial Software?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on January 11, 2012
Both approaches have their strengths, yet the issue of support appears to tip the balance.
The Mystery of KDE Activities
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on January 11, 2012
Activities are one of KDE's best features. So why do so many users know nothing about them?
Oracle Advances Open Source NetBeans
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on January 05, 2012
Open Source developer environment adds support for JavaFX 2.0 and CSS3.
Is Ubuntu's Bleeding Edge Hurting Linux?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on January 03, 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 Fragmentation Hurting the Linux Desktop?
By Matt Harley | Open Source Article Published on December 27, 2011
Some very basic problems are slowing growth in the Linux desktop.
Is Open Source WebOS an Android Killer?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on December 20, 2011
The release of WebOS with an open source license has the potential to change the mobile market.
Nine Open Source Discoveries I Made in 2011
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on December 19, 2011
A Linux pundit discusses the choice open source software and solutions he started using this past year.
Open Source Apps: the Monster List
By Cynthia Harvey | Open Source Article Published on December 19, 2011
Nearly 1,000 noteworthy open source downloads, including games, text editors, security apps, document management, SEO, desktop tools and much, much more.
Why We Need to Pay for Linux/FOSS
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on 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?
2011: The Year of Linux Disappointments
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on December 13, 2011
As years go, 2011 was a kidney stone of a year for free and open source software.
60 Open Source Replacements for Communications Software
By Cynthia Harvey | Open Source Article Published on December 12, 2011
Open source software for blogging, file transfer, wikis, CRM, desktop publishing, email and much more.
Blazemeter Brings Apache JMeter to Cloud
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on December 06, 2011
Startup gets $1.2 million to fund an open source-based load testing solution.
KDE Widgets: Why They Matter
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on December 06, 2011
KDE offers a broad array of widgets to make your daily work easier and faster.
Xamarin Brings Mono to IceCream Sandwich
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on December 05, 2011
After splitting from Novell and SUSE, the Mono startup is now accelerating development.
Freedom from Ubuntu with Debian Alternatives
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on December 05, 2011
Ubuntu is far from the only desktop Linux option.
Is Linux Mint an Ubuntu-Killer?
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on December 01, 2011
User traffic and key design changes suggest that Mint is a serious challenger to the King of Linux.
25 Ways Open Source is Catching On Beyond Software
By Cynthia Harvey | Open Source Article Published on November 28, 2011
The open source movement is spreading far beyond software to space travel, cars, spying, textbooks, art -- even cupcakes.
7 Reasons Why Free Software Is Losing Influence
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on November 22, 2011
Why are free software ideals less popular than they were five years ago? The answer's complicated and perhaps a bit controversial.
Can Web Designers Use Linux to Build an Effective Site?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on 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.
54 Open Source Replacements for E-Commerce Tools
By Cynthia Harvey | Open Source Article Published on November 15, 2011
Open source e-commerce software for opening your own online store, including shopping carts, CMS solutions and databases.
KDE vs. Trinity: Is One Really Better?
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on November 15, 2011
How does KDE 4 compare with Trinity, the fork based on KDE 3? The advantages are not as one-side as you might think.
Ubuntu's Tablet Ambition: Doomed to Fail
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on November 14, 2011
Ubuntu's dreams of being a player in the tablet market appear to be destined to fail.
GNOME vs. KDE vs. Unity: Performing Seven Basic Tasks
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on November 08, 2011
How do the top Linux desktops compare when you're doing basic tasks? The answers may surprise you.
Does Desktop Linux Need a Steve Jobs?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on November 07, 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 on November 01, 2011
Do most Linux users really prefer one kind of package management over another?
Is the Linux Desktop Dead?
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on November 01, 2011
The increased importance of mobile computing raises questions about the Linux desktop's future.
Shuttleworth: Linux Power Users Aren't too Cool for Unity
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on October 31, 2011
Ubuntu now has 20 million users as founder takes aim at Unity interface criticism and lays out a plan for the cloud, desktop and everything in between.
60 New Open Source Apps You've (Probably) Never Heard Of
By Cynthia Harvey | Open Source Article Published on October 25, 2011
You might have missed some of these open source software projects that have debuted recently.
Linux Malware: Are We There Yet?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on October 25, 2011
Many Linux users believe their system is safer than it truly is.
Judging Ubuntu: Failures and Successes
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on October 25, 2011
On Ubuntu's seventh anniversary, the dominant Linux distribution has a mixed record.
Which Ubuntu Variant is Right For You?
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on October 18, 2011
Ubuntu variants allow you to remain within Ubuntu while finding the exact options and sub-community you prefer.
Firefox Going Native for Android
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on October 17, 2011
New user interface effort for mobile browser set to deliver a faster Firefox for Android.
Is Ubuntu Becoming a Poor Man's OS X?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on October 17, 2011
Ubuntu allows users to save cash on both hardware and software.
54 Open Source Alternatives for Server Software
By Cynthia Harvey | Open Source Article Published on October 11, 2011
Open source server software for file transfer, security, storage, collaboration and more.
KDE's 'Plasma Active' Tops GNOME 3 and Unity
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on October 11, 2011
Designed for touch screen tablets, KDE's Plasma Active is clearly superior to its rivals.  
Pros and Cons of Open Source Software
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on October 10, 2011
Does the cost advantage justify the limits on functionality?
GNOME 3.2: Tactical Brilliance and Strategic Stubbornness
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on October 05, 2011
It's unclear whether GNOME 3.2 will be enough to reconcile users alienated by GNOME 3.0.
Is the Ubuntu App Developer Portal a Game Changer?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on October 03, 2011
The new Ubuntu app portal has great potential but the flood of newbie software is worrisome.
Intel Joins Samsung for Tizen as Meego Dies
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on September 28, 2011
Yet another Linux mobile platform bites the dust as new Tizen project is born from the ashes of Meego.
Mozilla Improves Memory Usage with Firefox 7
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on September 27, 2011
Latest rapid release of open source browser aims to do more with less.
Who Will Lead Free Software in the Future?
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on September 27, 2011
After Richard Stallman, three individuals appear the most likely candidates.
Will Windows 8 'Secure Boot' Lessen Linux Adoption?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on 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 on September 20, 2011
A veteran Linux user lists his choices for a top-flight desktop.
Windows 8, Metro, and the Linux Desktop
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on September 20, 2011
Windows 8's Metro could indicate an unfortunate direction in the future of the Linux desktop.
50 Open Source Apps for the Mobile Workforce
By Cynthia Harvey | Open Source Article Published on September 20, 2011
Open source apps to help you work on the go, develop your own mobile apps, manage your mobile workforce, and more.
Ubuntu 11.10 Beta and Unity: Mixed Verdict
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on September 13, 2011
With the beta release, we can start to judge Unity as a mature product -- and the verdict is decidedly mixed.
60 Open Source Replacements for Audio/Video Tools
By Cynthia Harvey | Open Source Article Published on September 13, 2011
Open source tools for file sharing, multimedia, audio and video editing, file conversion and more.
Is Ubuntu Driving Users Away?
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on September 12, 2011
A Linux pundit realizes his resentments about the Ubuntu desktop are shared by a good number of Ubuntu users.
Eight Complaints About the Linux Desktop
By Bruce Byfield | Open Source Article Published on September 08, 2011
The Linux desktop is like a colony that has gained independence yet still thinks that everything is done better in the mother country.
Bridging Linux and Windows: Top Apps
By Matt Hartley | Open Source Article Published on September 06, 2011
The dividing line between the Linux and Windows platforms gets thinner all the time.
10 Linux Distros Focused on Security
By Kenneth Hess | Open Source Article Published on August 31, 2011
These Linux distributions may not have the name recognition of some, yet their focus on security makes them worthy of consideration.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 Begins to Take Shape
By Sean Michael Kerner | Open Source Article Published on August 30, 2011
Customers and partners begin to give Red Hat feedback regarding their preferences in the next generation of Linux.

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