A comparison-(Installation(5), Stability(9) and Speed(5) and Cost(7))

This article is a continuation of the series of article comparing different windows and Linux flavors .
Previous Post : Out-Of-Box Functionality

Part 6 -
Installation/update(5), Stability(9) and Speed(5) and Cost(7):

Windows XP:(2,7,2,3)

Good :
Installation is OK but dos based.
Update (security patches)are directly downloaded .
XP with SP2(Service Pack 2) is very stable.
Initial boot time on a clean OS is gr8.
The OS is not in production anymore, but dell and other OEMs provide downgrading rights(buying Vista pro license and downgrading it to XP).
Still runs on computer with 64-128 MB ram.

BUT:
Installation still old aged and interface is dos based.
Installing different software varies across companies but easy.
Windows XP without any SP is crashes regularly. With SP2 its one of the most stable OS.
Speed degrades over time .Usually due to fragmentation of files, registry garbage, and maintenance requires time and even money (for professional softwares).
Costs is same as Vista Business($299.95)(now that they have stopped shipping and only degradation is possible).
Does not support dual boot with Linux.

Windows Vista:(2,5,2,2)

Good:
Installation is as easy as XP and more eye candy.
Stable.
Update is easy.
Initial clean OS boot time is slower than XP.
Installing programs is easy.

But:
Costs a bomb(250-350$) and not worth it.
Installation varies with company , i.e no single management place for installing softwares.
Speed degrades over time. Fragmentation is the main problem with ntfs(file system in Windows machine) file management system.
Registry hell still troubles and degrades speed.
Requires a minimum of 2 GB of ram to run properly.
known to crash albeit rarely, generally stable.
Does not support dual booth with Linux.



Ubuntu 8.04:(4,6,3,6)

Good:
Installing the OS is very easy and GUI is simple .
Generally stable.
Speed is on par with XP after a clean install & doesn't change with time.
Its free as in beer.
Update is simple. Even OS upgrades can be directly done in a few clicks from within OS.
No reboots required usually.
Windows user might find installing software surprisingly easy.
Detects windows and dual boots.

But:
Its hangs occasionally(only rarely) but does not crash.
Boot up time can be improved.
Some software need compilation & difficult for a noob(New User).
Partitioning is still needs caution again for a new user.
Does not install in a computer with <512.

Open Suse 11.0(4,6,3,6)

Good:
Best Graphical installer.
Stable.
Its free(as in beer).
Updates is easy and softwares are generally easy to install.
No reboots after installation.

But:
Boot time is slowest among all.
Only very very occasionally does it hang.
Some software need compilation and difficult for a noob(New User)
New user will not be comfortable with partitioning
Does not install in a computer with <512>

A comparision-part 5 (Out of box Functionality(14))

This article is a continuation of the series of article comparing different windows and Linux flavors .
Previous Post : Part4-Gaming(14)


Part 5 - Out Of Box Functionality (14):
User installs the OS and most of the what he wants works. Or if he has to get his hands dirty,it better be KISS(keep It Simple and Stupid ) and quick .

Usually the following is a list of things people look for:
1)Setup Time and Ease.
2)Basic to Advance office editing.
3)Connectivity.
4)Cd/Dvd reading/writing support.
5)Plug & Play Synchronization for most of the users device.
6)Games.
7)Media Player (should Support common formats atleast).



Windows : XP(7) And Vista(8) :
Both OS have similar collection of built in software.

Good:
Setup is easy.(partitioning is still a problem).
Built in MP3 support .
Media player supports many default format.
Note pad for simple editing.
Internet connectivity at an instant. Bluetooth (now extinct)infrared and other options are available.
Built in IE6/7 for web browsing.
Windows burning software.
Plug and play for most known device.
A fine collection of games . (Vista offer more variety).
Setup is easy , most people are used to it.
Firewall by Default.

But:
No Read/Write Support for Office documents.
Apart from some common formats, not many are supported.
Windows burning software still a stone age replica and better left untouched.
IE 6/7 still vulnerable to malicious attempt at personal security.
Out off box Media Player(WMP(9/10)) for XP has been carried over from Win97 days.Vista fare better with WMP11.
No support for flash or any other browser plugins built in.
No Support for PDF Files by default.
No Antivirus support. Firewall is ineffective.



Ubuntu8.04(10) and Open Suse11 (10):

Good:
Setup is easy.(Partitioning is a problem for a newbie).
Open Office built in in both distribution.
A good burning software.
A much larger collection of games .
Plug and Play for most devices.
Amarok in open Suse is much better than WMP11.
Connections can be setup without much effort.
Setup is easy. Time taken is lesser than windows
Firefox is built in.
PDF reader is also built in .
Firewall By default.

But:
No support for Browser plugins by default.
No support for MP3 format.What?((Mp3(Mpeg layer 3 ) is a proprietary format.)
Not all devices are supported by default . Although it cover most of users need.
Hardware is still a problem in Linux World but is rapidly improving.
Not plagued with virus problems.

A comparison-Part-4 (Gaming(14))

This is a part of series of articles comparing different widows and linux platforms
The previous post was :Office work

Part 4:

Gaming(14):
What do i say about Gaming. The basic things are;
1) Available games.
2)Hardware Platforms or OEMs (Other Equipment
Manufacturers)support.



Windows XP(12) and Vista(11):
The 2 have been club together cause its similar.
Gaming in PC industry symbolizes windows. All games are made for windows. Almost all kind of cards are supported. And OEMs make sure they have a driver ready for windows even before they release the hardwares.

The Difference between the 2 being ,
vista SP1 still lacks the performance of XP,although the difference is very less.

But:
There is still a room for improvement.
XP is still the better of the 2 atleast for gaming.
And from what i know , vista is unnecessarily bloated and eats on CPU resources.



Ubuntu 8.04(6) and Opensuse 11(6):
Again both the Linux distribution are similar.
And almost all games available on Linux are supported by both.
There are many free games available on both systems and for a causual gamer its more than enough.
Unlike windows Linux games are ususally free(as in beer).
With Cedega and Winefx Windows games can be ported to linux

But:
The graphics card and OEMs native support is less.
Apart from FPS(First Person Shooter)(thanks to open sourced Quake 3 engine) hardly any native games has good graphics.
Although many Windows games are ported,but are buggy at time and shows performance loss in many cases.
Basically the situation is not good and is less likely in the foreseeable future.

A Comparison-Part 3 (Basic Office Work(14))

This article is a continuation of the series of article comparing different windows and Linux flavors .
Part 2- Multimedia and Internet support


Part 3:
Basic Office Work(14):

User Requirement :
1.Basic support for viewing documents.
2.Editing.
3.Creating documents.
4.File Format support(Office-home-Office).

Nothing much here i guess. But is a very basic requirement and hence a top priority while looking for an OS.



Window XP(6):

Good:
1.Support for basic word documents(without pictures).
2.Supports files like .rtf, .txt, .doc, etc.
3.A simple Notepad .Very easy to use.
4. Paint brush for Photo editing.

But:
1.No built in Office package.
An Original Microsoft Office professional is around ($499.95 | $329.95).
While Office Student and home is ($100),its a downgraded version of the original.
A basic version is available albeit only through OEM(Other Equipment Manufacturers),Ex: Installed by the company when an PC or Laptop is bought).
Free softwares Are Available(Open Office being the best).

2.Notepad at best can be described to be from a nomad culture. Without any significant improvements in ages.Again Free software (Notepad++) comes to rescue and is available for download.
3.No PDF support.



Windows Vista(7):

Good :
Same as XP.
No major improvements for any support by default.

But:
1.Notepad Still nomad . Damn, Please change it. Ah Gods listening, Notepad2 is a much improved version. which can be downloaded .
Notepad++ exist even here .
2.Still no support PDF by default .
3. Again no built in office documents handler.(Start using free software(Open Office ). This People Will never provide office for free.



Ubutu 8.04 :(11)

Good:
1. Open Office(2.3) built in. Supports all office documents.
2. GEDIT is much better than notepad.
3. Both are simple too use.
4. Built in pdf reader.
5. GIMP is a gr8 Image editor. Comparable to Photoshop.

But:
1. Open Office(2.3) does not support office 2007.
2. Its simple but not visually appealing.
3. GIMP is overwhelming and needs some getting used to for starters.



OpenSuse 11: (12)

Good:
Most things almost same as ubuntu, only difference is it comes with OpenOffice(2.4) which supports MS Office 2007(.docx) format.
And no GIMP built in.Instead Gwenview and OpenOffice Draw.

But:
1. OO(2.4) is not graphically as appealing.
2.GIMP should be built into the distribution.

A Comparison-Part 2 (Multimedia and Internet Support(15))

This article is a continuation of the series of article comparing different windows and Linux flavors .
Part 1- Compares user interface


Part-2:
Multimedia and Internet support:(15)

End User Requirement:
1. Basic audio, video support out of box.
2. Support for all type of format after some installation.
3. A Good looking multimedia player with 20% feature what he requires to be visible.
4. Simple steps connect to Internet .
5. A simple browser supporting all kinds of audio/video format by default or by easy installation.
6. A safe browser(a normal home user doesn't think of this as a definite need).



Windows XP :(11)

Good:
So damn easy to connect to Internet . All operators(ISP(Internet Services Providers)) optimize their product and softwares for windows.
Basic audio/video support out of box.
Windows media player is built in and good enough for basic need.
IE is good and simple for normal user.
Good Support For multimedia Streaming .
Lan requires some learning but is good.
MSN messenger support out of box.

But:
Default WMP (version 10) look old and lacks any decent functionality apart from playing some audio/video by default. Though WMP11 has improved its UI and fuctinality for good.And with Winamp(free) and PowerDVD it makes a good package.(albeit at a cost(power dvd (US$ 49.95)).Free alternatives are available but i guess this are the most used.
Again IE6 is bad without any tab support and lacks anything worth writing home about( IE7 was a better browser / IE8 takes it a step further ).And ofcourse Mozilla 3 is available and better and safer than rest.
Not to forget Goggle Chrome and Apple's Safari browser.
Virus are predominantly written for this OS so this is unsafe.



Window Vista(12):

Good:
Has Everything XP has and better. With default WMP11 and IE7(with UAC(User access control)),it has a good combination out of box.
Lan support has improved.
Its safer out of box With UAC.

But:
UAC is irritating at times.
IE7 Still has security holes and is target of Crackers.
Of course Firefox3, Chrome and Safari are available.
If additional Features are required like audio/video ripping and mixing support than money have to be shelved although free alternatives are available but aint polished enough.
Although MSN messenger Support by defalut. Other Messenger requires installation.
CD/DVD burning software still not gr8.



Ubuntu 8.04:(9)

Good :
Firefox 3 is builtin .
Multimedia support is good.
Audio Ripping and mixing software by default.
A few known virus.
ADSL connection is breez and works out of box.
Almost all format supported after some installation.(VLC)
Pidgin is many messenger Packed into one.(support variety of protocols).

But:
No Mp3 Support by default although a simple codec installation does the job.
Configuring a dialup connection requires learning although help is available through Internet forums and isn't necessarily difficult.
No voice/video support in pidgin .
some streaming file don't work.
Not all hardware supported yet.(ex: Doen detect DELL Vostro 1510's lan card).
CD/DVD burning software not gr8.
Default media player has nothing to write home about.WMP is better.



OpenSuse(9):

Good:
Not Much diffent from ubuntu.
Detected my Vostro's lan card.
ADSL Work out of box .
Dial up works with some configuration .
(http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91305).
Amarok is much better than WMP.
Kopete is a multi-protocol messaging client like pidgin.

But:
Again no Mp3 support although installation is a single click away.
LAN connection needs learning.
VLC is not default and needs to be installed.
Cd/DVD burning software not that gr8.
No voice support in Kopete.
Not all hardware suppoted.

A Comparison (Windows (XP,vista), Ubuntu 8.04 , OpenSuse 11) - Part 1

This is a follow up from my last post,
Going OpenSource.
Today ill be Rating Vista, XP, ubuntu 8.04, OpenSuse 11.0 on different scenarios and rating it.
There will be 6 scenarios and a total of 100 marks.
It'll be divided into 7 parts.

Lets First list requirement of end user in an OS for general home scenario:
1.User Interface(UI)(Easy Of Use)(19)
2.Multimedia and Internet Support(15)
3.Basic Office Work(14)
4.Gaming(14)
5.Out of box Functionality(14)
6.Installation(5), Stability(9) and Speed(5) and Cost(7)
7.Conclusion.


Note:
Now I assume Window XP and Vista to be original.
I have rated the max points Asking my Nomad Friends What they would like in a desktop.


1.User Interface:(19)
Now Why is user in terface so important , ask an average user. this is what he sees and this is what he perceive to be his operating system
1.He should be able to use it without much learning.(A very gentle Learning curve).
2.UI should be consistent and should throw minimum surprise.
3.Doesn like to change every now and then, unless and until the features are cool enough.
4.Should easily find what he is looking for.
i.e The 20% feature used by most of us should be in front of his eyes Or a click away.
5.The terminology should be simple and not much computer like.
6.UI should not crash every now and then.

Window XP:(12)
Good:
It has a very consistent user interface. People are used to it now.
Files are easy to access .Its very stable with only occasional crashes .
Its the most used OS. UI does not throw many surprises.

But:
to reach a application requires just too many clicks. Every Company have there own folder in start menu.If a User is unaware of the company and knows only the name of the application will find it difficult and time consuming.
Workspace clustering is a big problem for multitasking.
Search fuction is poor.


Windows Vista:(14)
Good:
Integrated search function is placed best and just above the menu, which i believe make finding files and application very easy.
It has every thing that XP has and a bit more.
Its more eye candy.
Search function is gr8.

But:
it inherits the same application placement problem from XP.
Sometimes eye candy puts users off . Only sometimes.
Workspace clustering is still a problem.


Ubuntu 8.04:(14)
Good:
The Interface is minimalistic and user wont find it difficult to use.
Application are place just in the right place.(Gnome)
All games are placed under Games submenu in the main menu.
Browsers under Internet submenu,etc. Finding application is easy in the menu.
An additional application launcher makes it really easy to find application .
Working is similar to XP and compatible to its file system.
Workspaces makes life easier for multitasking. The OS is just stable.
Compiz-fusion makes for gr8 desktop effects.

But:
The launcher should be integrated into the menu like that in vista.
The UI somehow still does not feel polished enough.
Sometimes the UI freezes after some misbehaving applications. The force close applet is a life saver.Yet this is just undesirable.
Search function still not the best.


Opensuse 11.0:(15)
Good:
With KDE 4.1.1 the system is consistant .The start menu for opensuse(Kickof)is the best amoung all.
Although i still believe the search function shoud be placed just above the start button.
The Desktop is neat and unlike ubuntu looks polished.
The overall experience is quite satisfying.
Dolphin is the best file manager.The split view steals the show.
Compiz-fusion makes for gr8 desktop effects and integrates fine into the environment.

But:
The start menu of Gnome is most easy to use , I feel Opensuse should replicate Gnomes menu just for its simplicity and it'll be unbeatable.Here i mean the placement of the applications.But its still the best.
Two file manager(Konqueror and Dolphin only confuse the user initially .
I dont find any valid use of Konqueror in openSuse when you have Dolphin and firefox.
The Desktop is a bit intimidating. but overall the best among all.
Learning curve is a bit only a bit steeper than others yet worth it.

Going OpenSource

Previously a Windows user . For a year and half now i have been using Linux (Ubuntu 7.04,7.10,8.04,OpenSuse 10.3 ,OpenSuse 11.0).
Initially on dual boot(Windows/Linux) and and now only Linux.

The reason of switch from windows was: -

0. Pointing out reasons for switching, i am not bashing Windows , its a gr8 software( without which people would still be suffering command line syndrome). It made Linux geeks realize that UI(User Interface) and ease of use is very imp. But for the following :

1. Excessive waste of time in windows management .( disk defragmenting, disk cleanup, registry defragmenting ) just to keep windows running smooth and fast. Although you can optimize some by automating but that requires professional versions ).

2. Too many virus and worms and to counter too many anti(virus,spyware........).
All running simultaneously and eating up PC resources..

3. Window slowing down over a period of every 4 months and needing a format every 8 months at least. If you can maintain it ,excessive Virus attacks will surely request you a format.

Thanks to the attacks, had almost mastered cleaning windows of virus and refacing the damaged function.

4. And above all not much of it is free. (Windows vista + office 2007 will cost you around (250$))+ anti(virus ,spyware ,adware,etc ) professional (for a year) will add another 100$ to your shopping expenses.
And all this are just basic necessity to get windows running. Outside enhancement will require more recurring expense.

5. I would use pirated (like 85-90% Indian home user do)software windows(OS) with everything pirated(all kinda software, rpg and strategy games to professional antivirus solution to entertainment solution etc. available, that the foolish people make so easy to crack) .

6. Hardwares can be charged for they need raw materials and human hand to it , so the cost is justified to a certain extent . In software the scenario is different, although Microsoft has all rights to charge for their softwares for they spend billions on research and people to get their product running , but when an free and open source alternative is available thats as good as Windows or better in some cases, then why not use it instead. Save you hard earned money for more beautiful things in life.


Had a guilt feeling using pirated softwares. And for the above reasons, decided to go Open Source.
The journey was of learning, of awe and frustration and i persisted. Now i can run Linux only.

This series of article is to encourage people to move towards a open world where software is not pirated. And Its open to all to use ,to contribute and to spread the word . Without any copywrites and DRMs.

Next Post will be a comparison of Windows to Linux, and rate it in several parameters for Readers to compare. Ill be fair to best of my knowledge.And then a general review on open source OS(s) and open softwares.
Link (http://animesh-opensource.blogspot.com/2008/09/comparison-windows-xpvista-ubuntu-804.html).