Tag Archives: Operating System

Happy Mac Users

Just like many people have been caught up in the whole idea of PC (Windows) vs Mac train of thought, I was guilty of this.  To the masses, Mac might seem like some foreign and pricey operating system for high-end, snobby users, however I’m learning this thinking isn’t entirely true.  I know that I’m a little late in getting to the Mac table, but better late than never!

What I’ve come to realize is that although Mac products tend to cost more initially, I cannot help but also take serious note that Mac users actually save money in the long term.  Why?  Because the system is essentially trouble-free; no constant threats of infections, software incompatibility, no ever waning performance issues and no frequent need for tech support.   What does all of this mean for the end-user?  It means Mac users are generally happy people.  They’ve got it easy, not having to always fight to keep their operating system updated, protected and performing well.  No need to pay tech support to do all of this for them, when they don’t know how to themselves; meaning they are hassle-free, saving time and money.  Their only concern is how will they spend their time on their actual computing interests, not the computer itself.  Let me repeat:  They are NOT concerned with the computer itself! They are busily enjoying the most excellent care-free digital life!

Clearly countless Mac users have already discovered these extremely valuable qualities, yet even more end-users have not.  Last I heard, Mac users comprise of only 5 – 6% of computer users.  As I have delved deeper into the World of Linux, and realize how very similar Linux is to Mac, I have a profoundly marked appreciation for the Mac operating system.  To all of the nay-saying Windows users out there (as I myself once was), I implore you to strongly consider the most wonderful alternatives: Mac and Linux operating systems!

And should you find that, when you finally remove the Microsoft blinders from your eyes and genuinely realize there are other dimensions to the computing World, try your hand at Mac or Linux, because there’s no reason you cannot learn to appreciate what they have to offer without totally abandoning your Windows OS.  Although, with serious consideration, you very well just might!  A much better computer experience awaits you!  What are you waiting for?  Plain and simple, Mac users are HAPPY users!  Free yourself!

Ubuntu 9.10

The launch of Ubuntu was first announced in September 2004. Although a relative newcomer to the Linux distribution scene, the project took off like no other before, with its mailing lists soon filled in with discussions by eager users and enthusiastic developers. In the few years that followed, Ubuntu has grown to become the most popular desktop Linux distribution and has greatly contributed towards developing an easy-to-use and free desktop operating system that can compete well with any proprietary ones available on the market.

What was the reason for Ubuntu’s stunning success? Firstly, the project was created by Mark Shuttleworth, a charismatic South African multimillionaire, a former Debian developer and the world’s second space tourist, whose company, the Isle of Man-based Canonical Ltd, is currently financing the project. Secondly, Ubuntu had learnt from the mistakes of other similar projects and avoided them from the start – it created an excellent web-based infrastructure with a Wiki-style documentation, creative bug-reporting facility, and professional approach to the end users. And thirdly, thanks to its wealthy founder, Ubuntu has been able to ship free CDs to all interested users, thus contributing to the rapid spread of the distribution.

On the technical side of things, Ubuntu is based on Debian “Sid” (unstable branch), but with some prominent packages, such as GNOME, Firefox and OpenOffice.org, updated to their latest versions. It has a predictable, 6-month release schedule, with an occasional Long Term Support (LTS) release that is supported with security updates for 3 – 5 years, depending on the edition (non-LTS release are supported for 18 months). Other special features of Ubuntu include an installable live CD, creative artwork and desktop themes, migration assistant for Windows users, support for the latest technologies, such as 3D desktop effects, easy installation of proprietary device drivers for ATI and NVIDIA graphics cards and wireless networking, and on-demand support for non-free or patent-encumbered media codecs.

  • Pros: Fixed release cycle and support period; novice-friendly; wealth of documentation, both official and user-contributed
  • Cons: Some of Ubuntu’s own software (e.g. Rosetta) are proprietary; lacks compatibility with Debian
  • Software package management: Advanced Package Tool (APT) using DEB packages
  • Available editions: Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Ubuntu Studio and Mythbuntu for 32-bit (i386) and 64-bit (x86_64) processors; Ubuntu Server edition also for SPARC processors
  • Suggested Ubuntu-based alternatives: Linux Mint (desktop), gOS (desktop with Google applications), OpenGEU (desktop with Enlightenemnt), Ultimate Edition (desktop), CrunchBang Linux (desktop with Openbox), gNewSense (free software)
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Good OS

About Good OS (gOS)

Founded in early 2007, Good OS is an operating system software company based in Silicon Valley, California, USA and Taipei, Taiwan. Our mission is to enable cloud computing through software.  gOS is an easy-to-use, Ubuntu – based distribution designed for less technical computer users. Its main features are the use of Enlightenment as the default desktop and tight integration of various Google products and services into the product.

Products

Good OS currently has two products:

  • Cloud – A browser operating system for web, email, and chat, and toggling into a different operating system such as Windows or Android.
  • gOS - Currently at its third major release, gOS 3 Gadgets is a full desktop operating system perfect for desktops and notebooks.

History

On November 1, 2007, Good OS debuted its first product, gOS, a Linux operating system for consumers, at Wal-Mart stores on the widely publicized $199 Everex gPC.

Since its debut at Wal-Mart stores, gOS has been developed into its third major release–gOS 3.0 Gadgets featuring widgets powered by Google Gadgets–and has been pre-installed with additional PC OEM’s on desktops, notebooks, netbooks, and shipped across more major distribution channels such as Circuit City, CompUSA, NewEgg, TigerDirect, and more.

In December 2008, Good OS announced its second product, Cloud, a small browser operating system, to be shipped on the GIGABYTE Touch-screen Netbooks which will run Cloud and Windows XP together.

In January 2009, Good OS released gOS 3.1 Gadgets, an updated version of its Linux operating system with an improved user experience.

Philosophy

Good OS’s mantra is “Be good” because of our goal to be a good partner to PC companies, and to make good software for PC users.

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Copyright © 2009 DistroWatch.com.