7/22/2018

The Linux desktop is a viable option for more users.

As a long time Linux user, this article on Forbes by Jason Evangelho about his experience using Ubuntu after ditching Windows is a great example that the Linux desktop is more than good enough for most users.

Personally, I would rather go for Linux Mint, but his overall experience comes to show how much the Linux desktop experience has come usability wise. Nowadays, the main reason to use Windows or Mac is mainly specific apps that don't exist, or have a replacement on Linux. Which, is less common thing to happen nowadays.

Ever since I moved to Linux, I haven't missed Windows. Skype, Firefox, Spotify, and Dropbox have native support on both Linux Mint and Ubuntu. As such, I still can use them as I did on Windows.

The only two apps that didn't have direct replacement where Songbird mainly because it was discontinued, and the Microsoft Office suite. The former was replaced by Rhythmbox, which has become a favorite of mine, and the later with LibreOffice, which while its closing the feature gap with Microsoft Office is not quite there, its still a great option for most people. LibreOffice has bonus points on that its free to use on Windows, macOS and Linux, making it easier to work and share between people without worrying on what platform they work on.

To be honest, I use Windows at work because we use SAP. And though I don't mind using Windows, I feel more at home using Ubuntu or Linux Mint since they fit me workflow a lot better than Windows does.

Slowly but surely, the Linux desktops is becoming an option for the users led by Ubuntu and Linux Mint. Odds are that it won't be as big as Windows, yet it'll be something that will be used by more people than just the geeks or IT professionals.

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