What makes Windows so popular? Some say it is so user friendly. What exactly makes it so user friendly? An answer to that question could be that is has an incredible desktop environment with which almost any user can sit down and interact. More choices are available because, Linux is coming into the arena with some desktop environments that are just as user friendly as Windows. These will offer as much versatility if not more to allow for some great customization and installation of separate applications.
Before discussing the different desktops, a definition of a desktop environment is in order. In the book, The Complete Guide to Linux Administration, Wells defines it by saying “the desktop interface is a graphical application that provides a comprehensive user interface, including menus, desktop icons, and usually several integrated applications” (2005). It can also include or provide drag and drop capabilities. Simply put, it is something that involves the windows manager, but then “kicks it up a notch with greater integration” (Hartley, 2011).
The window manager sits below the desktop environment and the graphical application or the X client sits above it. It should also be noted that the desktop environment is an optional component, but it is an excellent companion to run in conjunction with the command line. It gives the Linux operating system a little more visual depth and visual interaction among components. A good example where the desktop environment fits in the components of the X windows system is displayed table 1.
New Linux users may find themselves baffled over the different desktop environments offered in the world of Linux operating systems. How does one decide what to install. Moreover, what is important to...
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“Ubuntu is probably the most well-known Linux distribution. Ubuntu is based on Debian, but it has its own software repositories. Much of the software in these repositories is synced from Debian’s repositories. The Ubuntu project has a focus on providing a solid desktop (and server) experience, and it isn’t afraid to build its own custom technology to do it. Ubuntu used to use the GNOME 2 desktop environment, but it now uses its own Unity desktop environment. Ubuntu is even building its own Mir graphical server while other distributions are working on the Wayland. Ubuntu is modern without being too bleeding edge. It offers releases every six months, with a more stable LTS (long term support) release every two years. Ubuntu is currently working on expanding the Ubuntu distribution to run on smartphones and tablets (hottogeek).” Ubuntu has a reputation for ease of use, which is why it’s popular on many desktops and servers. Ubuntu also helps users keep up with the latest software versions by releasing updates on a regular schedule. The drawback of frequent updates is that it's harder to keep bugs from slipping into the mix. To this end Ubuntu releases an LTS version periodically, which stands for "Long-Term Support". The LTS version uses package versions that are considered more stable than cutting-edge, making it more suitable for use on a production server than the interim Ubuntu releases. If you're completely lost as to which distribution to run Ubuntu LTS is a safe place to start. Its widespread adoption means there are several forums and sites on the Internet that provide help resources for Ubuntu
Let us now examine a number of perspectives that should be considered when designing software solutions. In most cases, these perspectives will have direct consequences to the design of the user interface.
About TTY - What is a TTY?. (n.d.). About TTY - What is a TTY?. Retrieved March 31, 2014, from http://www.abouttty.com/Whatis.html
Apple was definitely “thinking different” when it created the new addition to the Macintosh family, the iMac. It’s creative design and refreshing departure from the computer industry standard of boring beige boxes is gaining this marvel many optimistic reviews. This new personal computer, which is pronounced eye-Mac –the “i” stands for Internet, combines the computer and the monitor in one unit making it, in effect, an updated version of the original one-piece Macintosh. That makes the iMac ideal for people who want to conserve desk space.
Windows based computers are more practical, easier to use, and more versatile than Macintosh computers. There has always been much debate over which is the better system. There are people who are die-hard Macintosh users, and there are people who are the complete opposite, and naturally people sitting somewhere in between. The fact remains that the majority of home and business users own Windows based systems because of their versatility in all areas.
It is a well-known fact that Microsoft is the most marketed operating system. This can be explained by the decision by Microsoft to design and sell its operating system to other computer manufacturers. This meant making it compatible with other hardware. Apple did not choose to do this, making its operating systems only compatible with its own computer hardware (Derene, 2009). In a website article called “HongKait.Com: Online Tips for Designers and Bloggers” Nina Krimly states statistics that identify Microsoft as controlling 91% of the market while Apple Mac around 5%. The exclusivity of Apple did not make it popular among those who used the computer to work on projects both at home and at work in the past ...
Then came Linus Benedict Torvalds. At the time he was a sophomore majoring in Computer Science at the University of Helsinki, his hobby also included computer programming. At 21 he found himself spending most of his time toying with computer systems, trying to see what he could do in order to push their limits and increase their functionality. The key missing in his tests was an operating system that had the flexibility craved for by professionals. MINIX was available, though it was still just a stu...
Recent data shows that 78% of computer users use Microsoft Windows as their primary operating system. Microsoft has also just released a new operating system known as Vista that competes primarily with Apple’s Mac OSX.
Against the above background, this report is intended to provide an objective review of where and how Linux might fit into your business related plans and activities moving forward. The aim is to deliver insight rather than recommendations – i.e. it is not my intention to either advocate or discourage desktop Linux adoption, just to help understand the potential benefits, issues and practicalities so the fit...
It is argued that The main aim of a GUI is to make the interaction between users and computers easier. Galitz (2007) suggests that programmers should provide clear objects and processes as well as simple and explicit texts and metaphors, therefore the familiar objects such as icons, list boxes and reserved words can provide a clear using of any user interface. Thus, the requirements of users should be taken into account because they are the ...
What do the majority of users need a computer for? Mainly word processing and the use of a database program. An NT user doesn’t have to go with Microsoft Office, but a lot of people do, costing a couple hundred dollars. Linux can run an Office Suite program that is very similar to Office for at least half the cost. Even a free version of WordPerfect 8 is available for Linux.
Both operating systems however diverge from each other in various ways, their question isn’t necessary which one is better but rather what makes them so different. When comparing two operating systems a user should take the following categories in for consideration, cost, user, user interface, usage, file system support, and security. The cost of a Linux operating is completely free versus a windows operating system which can range from prices such as $50.00 to $450.00. Even though Linux operating system is free however according to diffren.com their customer support is available for a
Microsoft, from its inception, has been known for its software, especially its Windows platform. It has changed the way we operate computers and through its software, has made the computer user-friendly and very efficient. Microsoft, however, does not want to only specialize in the software department. They have thus expanded their excellence in other departments such as gaming, music and hardware.
Desktop computers were commonly used since the late 90’s. The increasing number of applications on desktop computers allowed us to do all kinds of different activities like games, music, video, document editing and so on. In comparison with laptop computers, desktop computers have more stable performance, greater capacities, and throughout history, they have proven themselves more reliable to handle every job they have been assigned.
Comparing Notebook and Desktop Computers Computers are one of the most popular kinds of electronic devices in the world today. Whether a kid or adult, male or female, everyone wants to learn how to operate the computer. People use computers for different purposes such as typing papers, creating websites, making presentations, browsing the internet, playing games, etc. In fact, many people are still confused about choosing what kind of computer they want to buy. In the world today, there are two types of computers: notebook/laptop and desktop.