DownloadSquad posted a great article yesterday, “Common Linux myths dispelled.”
Fanboy FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt), it comes from all sides of the computing landscape. The three most well known operating systems, Microsoft Windows, Apple’s OSX and the open source Linux have been called everything and accused of almost anything you can imagine in one press outlet or another. Linux is lousy for games, Windows is a memory hog, OSX will force you get a Liberal Arts degree and recycle… but, I digress. We’re here to dispel the myths, not spread them.
Linux is great, too bad there aren’t any good applications
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On Linux, you can’t open files other people send
False. Linux applications are plentiful, well written and widely compatible with their OSX or Windows counterparts. Microsoft Office files are easily opened by Open Office. Photoshop’s functionality can be found in The Gimp, or better yet with GimpShop. Audio editing, maintaining your mp3 library, file management, databases, instant messaging, personal information management, etc… They’re all available and, in the vast majority of situations they’re free.
Linux won’t allow you to watch your favorite video files.
False. Out of the box many Linux distributions have so-so support for common video formats but, did you know there are open source players which can handle almost anything you can throw at them? It’s true. Due to patent restrictions you may have to install them yourself but, fear not, there are great forums for popular Linux distributions and, installing an application under Linux is usually a snap. For Ubuntu or Debian users, check out Automatix, which will help you install a whole host of useful but patent restricted applictions and add-ons which make Linux a force to reckon with.
Linux doesn’t have a modern 3d desktop like Vista’s Aero or OSX’s Aqua
False. Beryl has emerged as a strong contender for taking the Linux desktop to the next generation. Check out this video to see exactly how cool your Linux desktop can be.
But, if I use Linux I won’t be able to run Word/Photoshop/Internet Explorer/____.
False. Crossover Linux (formerly Crossover Office) allows even the most neophyte of users to install their favorite Windows Applications and run them at full speed, right in Linux. That one application you need for work, school or, just as a matter of preference can be easily installed and working in minutes. For less than half the cost of a Windows license, you can have Corssover Office with a year of helpful support. Just check out the list of applications Crossover fully supports.
I can’t play Half Life 2, Prey, or World of Warcraft on Linux
False. Recent updates to Crossover Linux allow you to play your favorite Steam engine based games on Linux. So, fire up HL2, WoW or Prey and try to forget that you ever used Windows.
Source: DownloadSquad
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