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Computing
Penguin at the Window:
Linux as an Alternative to Vista
Hanover
One thing must be said from the start: Microsoft Vista is a
modern operating system that offers a variety of genuine
improvements over Windows XP. On top of that, Vista also
looks much spiffier than its predecessor.
Even so, there are a variety of reasons not to blindly reach
for Vista. A consideration of the alternatives is in order,
and Linux is at the top of the list.
Among the central features Microsoft is touting for Vista is
added security for personal data. While true, operating
systems like Mac OS or Linux are considered more secure:
there are practically no viruses attacking Linux computers,
says Oliver Diedrich from the Hanover-based magazine c't.
And while Vista has finally made a more significant
separation between user and administrator rights, this is
long since a standard part of Mac OS and Linux.
One key sticking point with Vista is the way it hogs
resources: the system will only run in entirety on new, well
equipped computers. Linux, often represented by the penguin
mascot, can run without problem on machines with less
memory, processor and graphic card performance.
Linux also turns heads compared with Vista and Mac OS when
it comes to price: it is free. Mac OS only runs with Apple
hardware. And the Home Premium version of Vista, comparable
with the Windows XP Personal Edition, is available for $199
as an update and $299 as the full version.
Linux can be installed off CDs included with many computer
magazines or directly off the Internet - albeit without a
manual or support.
Anyone needing those services will have to pay out around
$50 to a Linux distributor like "Suse." On the other hand, a
"system builder version" of Vista Home premium is available
without manual or service for $199. Linux can still be
installed and passed on to friends as many times as desired.
"A lot of money has been sunk into Linux," says Oliver
Diedrich from c't. Companies like IBM, Novell or Red Hat are
interested in continued development.
Linux is still not the best option for everyone, though.
"We've tested various versions. And we weren't happy," says
Peter Knaak from the German consumer testing organization
Stiftung Warentest in Berlin. Problems can pop up with
things like connecting a printer.
"Normal users are quickly overwhelmed." Diedrich sees it
differently, though. Any hardware that Linux doesn't
recognize is either "exotic" or especially low-end models.
Another problem with Linux is related to the MPEG2 video
format: film DVDs cannot be played back on Linux systems
without add-ins.
"Users can solve that problem, though" Diedrich says, with
the help of the Internet, since the Linux community is happy
to provide fellow users with help. That's why Diedrich
recommends going online before selecting a Linux
distribution and checking out the corresponding community.
Are the people who use a given distribution ready to help,
or more arrogant techno-geeks?
One problem that even user groups can't fix: the dearth of
games for Linux. As the majority of computers run with
Windows, Linux versions are not worth the effort for game
makers. There is a way to test out Linux on the fly: live
distributions like "Suse" or "Ubuntu" can be run in full off
DVD. And for those who prefer to sit on the fence, Linux and
Vista can also be installed parallel on the same computer.
DPA |
April 16, 2007
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