[Question]Er.. forgive a question that may sound stupid B_expert, but does Linux run all Windows compatible programs?
Does it look like windows - i.e. similar to navigate?
Are there problems reading files on a Windows computer if they were originally created on a Linux one?
Sorry - that's 3 questions. It's just that I keep hearing good things about Linux but have reservations about taking a leap into the void :? :?[/Question]
I am writing this to you on a basic laptop purchased in Worten Portimão 2 years ago and running Ubuntu 9.04 . After years of getting fed up with Windoze, viruses, upgrades etc, etc, I switched 100% to using Ubuntu Linux in 2004. I looked at Apple, but the equipment is expensive and if anything goes wrong with the hardware or software, 90% of the time, it can mean, off to Loulé to the only authorised Apple Agent in the Algarve.
One does need a little bit of "nouse"/"common sense" to begin with but I have 95% compatibility with a Windows installation on my machine. With Openoffice 3.0, one can open, edit and save documents in Word, Excel and Powerpoint formats. To be honest, there may be the odd problems with formatting compatible headers and footers. I do all my webdesign on this machine. I play music on it, I watch videos (e.g. Shaun the Sheep) and youtube on it. I Skype on it!
One thing about Linux, which is great is that most of the programmes are freely available under the GNU Open Source License. For example, the Gimp which is the Linux world's version of Photoshop is free and in my opinion has more options and functionality than Photoshop.
With a Linux installation, you can usually print anything automatically to PDF format.
With Windows, you buy the operating system (e.g. Vista or XP) and then pay (a lot) for or pirate most of the extra stuff you need. With Linux, you can usually find what you need for free from one of the online repositories.
Linus Torvalds (the original developer of the Linux kernel (the core of linux)) and the millions of Linux volunteers world-wide who have voluntarily been nerding away for the past 18 years, have created a vast volume of software way in excess of what is available in the Windows world...and it is free.
This means that in the Linux world, piracy practically does not exist.
There are certain areas where Linux is not yet up with Windows:
1) No one has yet developed an alternative of Adobe/Macromedia Flash for making Flash animations for websites.
2) Microsoft Publisher - If you use this program you will not find a compatible programme at present in the Linux world.
3) Some programmes such as for making labels, (Such as those you buy in Staples), will not work on Linux BUT there is an virtual layer adapter software available in Windows called WINE, which can facilitate running windows programmes on Linux. However, I don't use it.
3) Depending on your computer, you may encounter the odd driver problem but that can usually be overcome with the help of the vast Linux nerd community world-wide.
There also may be issues if you use special accounts software for business.
Linux does not suffer from viruses or malware like Windows machines. No operating system is 100% safe, but a Linux desktop machine is 98% safer than a Windows machine as executable files cannot usually be installed without the users explicit permission.
In terms of navigation, Linux desktops have a familiarity about them and can be made to look like a windows desktop. One has a choice of at least two main interface types KDE and GNOME. These basically set up the Desktop Screen. KDE is very popular for those wanting flashy desktops....I like GNOME, its more workman like..like Windows 2000 used to be.
I use a Vodafone 3G dongle, as well as wifi, with my Linux laptop - No problem at all.
I have installed Ubuntu Linux on at least six public machines in the Lagos area in recent years. When previously, every time some smart alec backpacker messed with a windows machine, and downloaded a virus, it was a call out and sometimes a reinstall. With Linux, the machines run for months. The main problem is usually the hardware not the machine. You can also lock Linux machines down so that people can only use, for example, the browser.
On the Ubuntu Linux distribution, updates are available and delivered regularly over the web. Each edition is updated every 6 months.
Finally, I admit, I am an evangelist for Linux. However, I have felt for a long time, that the prices charged by Microsoft, over the years for its programmes, have actually created the software piracy issue. If you could pick up a legal copy of Windows XP and other programmes for Euro 20, piracy would be down by 80%. Viruses would not go away, however, because the Windows environment with its self executable .exe files is basically open to virus abuse.
In summary, if you have the time and willingness to switch, linux gets you away from the world of viruses and piracy and above all is free.
With Linux you have the tools, you have the support and you can get on with the job in hand.
quinta-feira, 3 de setembro de 2009
domingo, 30 de agosto de 2009
Netbooks and Mobile Internet - Portugal
There are netbook & internet deals here in portugal, but most of them are fixed one year contracts with the mobile operators TMN, Kanguru/Optimus and Vodafone. Pay as you go exists but is no good for Skype owing to limited traffice volumes.
The free volume of traffic/upload/download bandwith available from fixed contract deals with these provides is also limited. So if one uses Skype a lot one soon will be paying a lot over the odds for excess traffic.
Using a UK operators dongle on roaming will cost a fortune is you use skype regularly.
Regular use of Skype, in my opinion, still requires a fixed line adsl or cable broadband connection with a good monthly download data volume. e.g. SAPO 4G/ e 8GB.
As regards no hard drives, only the the very basic models have small flash drives. The more expensive models of netbooks now all have hard drives.
I bought my other half one of the first Asus EEEpc machines sold here in Portugal as she travels a lot. It runs Linux and is fine for email, Skype with webcam and basic office stuff. Skype works well on it but it is only viable when she is in locations with free or low cost wifi.
She is currently on New Zealand on business and has been istaying n business hotels. The wifi rate at these hostelries are ridiculous. So I Skype her from my laptop here over the landline to her hotel room phone in NZ. Not free but still much cheaper. Her netbook stays in her bag. Next week she moves to a hotel with free wifi and we will then use it more.
As regards loading MS Office onboard....YUK!!!!!!!
Linux equipped netbooks already come with OpenOffice loaded. This is an opensource (free) package like MS Office from Sun. It can open, edit and save excel spreadsheets, word documents and powerpoint presentations.
There is a version for Windows, Mac and in various languages here:
http://download.openoffice.org/other.html#en-US
These are downloadable of the internet so an external DVD is not necessary.
Worten at present have a basic netbook sans dongle as follows:
Aspire One D150 BlackACERPC Portátil Intel® Atom™ N280 - 1,66GHz / TFT Wide 10,1" / 1024 MB / 160 GB / Windows XP / Intel® 945 GSE / WebCam. Price € 279.
Note this comes with Windows Xp installed and you can be sure with 99%
certainty that it will be XP Portuguese version. If you want it in english you will have to buy a new XP license and cd.
Recently, I have been encouraging expats here to look at Macs or Linux as a solution as you can setup one's preferred language on starting the machine for the first time. I did this with my partner's Asus and recently with an Apple Macbook a client bought at FNAC here.
Finally, note that netbook screens are small. If you are getting one, go for a minimum of 10'1" TFT Screen. The smaller one are a hassle.
The free volume of traffic/upload/download bandwith available from fixed contract deals with these provides is also limited. So if one uses Skype a lot one soon will be paying a lot over the odds for excess traffic.
Using a UK operators dongle on roaming will cost a fortune is you use skype regularly.
Regular use of Skype, in my opinion, still requires a fixed line adsl or cable broadband connection with a good monthly download data volume. e.g. SAPO 4G/ e 8GB.
As regards no hard drives, only the the very basic models have small flash drives. The more expensive models of netbooks now all have hard drives.
I bought my other half one of the first Asus EEEpc machines sold here in Portugal as she travels a lot. It runs Linux and is fine for email, Skype with webcam and basic office stuff. Skype works well on it but it is only viable when she is in locations with free or low cost wifi.
She is currently on New Zealand on business and has been istaying n business hotels. The wifi rate at these hostelries are ridiculous. So I Skype her from my laptop here over the landline to her hotel room phone in NZ. Not free but still much cheaper. Her netbook stays in her bag. Next week she moves to a hotel with free wifi and we will then use it more.
As regards loading MS Office onboard....YUK!!!!!!!
Linux equipped netbooks already come with OpenOffice loaded. This is an opensource (free) package like MS Office from Sun. It can open, edit and save excel spreadsheets, word documents and powerpoint presentations.
There is a version for Windows, Mac and in various languages here:
http://download.openoffice.org/other.html#en-US
These are downloadable of the internet so an external DVD is not necessary.
Worten at present have a basic netbook sans dongle as follows:
Aspire One D150 BlackACERPC Portátil Intel® Atom™ N280 - 1,66GHz / TFT Wide 10,1" / 1024 MB / 160 GB / Windows XP / Intel® 945 GSE / WebCam. Price € 279.
Note this comes with Windows Xp installed and you can be sure with 99%
certainty that it will be XP Portuguese version. If you want it in english you will have to buy a new XP license and cd.
Recently, I have been encouraging expats here to look at Macs or Linux as a solution as you can setup one's preferred language on starting the machine for the first time. I did this with my partner's Asus and recently with an Apple Macbook a client bought at FNAC here.
Finally, note that netbook screens are small. If you are getting one, go for a minimum of 10'1" TFT Screen. The smaller one are a hassle.
sexta-feira, 30 de janeiro de 2009
Free Wifi Access - Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal (cont.)
I have been to Albufeira again to check the availability of the free wifi algarvedigital signal around the Camara building.
At the Camara, as one enters the atrium, there is a prominent notice outside advertising the free algarvedigital wifi service. There is also a map indicating that most places within 50/75 metres radius should be able to pick it up.
I then asked the security guard on duty if I could sit in the Atrium to connect to the Internet. He said no. He then explained that the service has now been equipped with a directional antenna that blasts the signal out of the Camara Building only in the direction of the gardens and Bombeiros. There are no cafes in this direction.
He said to use it I would have to sit in the gardens. Luckily it was not raining and again I tested it and again connected to algarvedigital with no problems. I tested it again over the road at the Bombeiros. There was still a signal but it had dropped to 9%.
I reckon that the whole world was using the system and someone (the Camara) was receiving a huge broadband bill. So instead of saying that the service was uneconomic, it was more politically correct to install a directional antenna and blast the signal into an area where there are no cafes etc. Consequently, it can only be used in fair weather when there is no glare, or in a car parked in the car park, I mentioned previously.
However, the Camara can continue to say they are part of the AlgarveDigital free wifi Project!
So to use it, one has to sit in the gardens or in a car in the car park P5.
At the Camara, as one enters the atrium, there is a prominent notice outside advertising the free algarvedigital wifi service. There is also a map indicating that most places within 50/75 metres radius should be able to pick it up.
I then asked the security guard on duty if I could sit in the Atrium to connect to the Internet. He said no. He then explained that the service has now been equipped with a directional antenna that blasts the signal out of the Camara Building only in the direction of the gardens and Bombeiros. There are no cafes in this direction.
He said to use it I would have to sit in the gardens. Luckily it was not raining and again I tested it and again connected to algarvedigital with no problems. I tested it again over the road at the Bombeiros. There was still a signal but it had dropped to 9%.
I reckon that the whole world was using the system and someone (the Camara) was receiving a huge broadband bill. So instead of saying that the service was uneconomic, it was more politically correct to install a directional antenna and blast the signal into an area where there are no cafes etc. Consequently, it can only be used in fair weather when there is no glare, or in a car parked in the car park, I mentioned previously.
However, the Camara can continue to say they are part of the AlgarveDigital free wifi Project!
So to use it, one has to sit in the gardens or in a car in the car park P5.
segunda-feira, 26 de janeiro de 2009
Free Wifi Access - Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal
OK. Finally made it to Albufeira.
I am sitting in the car in Car Park P5 in front of the Camara Municipal at 14:23.
I fired up my Acer 4310 with Ubuntu 8.10 installed and it immediately found the public wifi signal for the algarve digital project - signal strength 35% on the internal broadcom wifi card.
The machine automatically found the algarvedigital signal and access was immediate and free as in the Lagos Cultural Centre. (Centro Cultural).
I am writing this from the car in the Car Park.
However, there is free broadband wifi here!
I am sitting in the car in Car Park P5 in front of the Camara Municipal at 14:23.
I fired up my Acer 4310 with Ubuntu 8.10 installed and it immediately found the public wifi signal for the algarve digital project - signal strength 35% on the internal broadcom wifi card.
The machine automatically found the algarvedigital signal and access was immediate and free as in the Lagos Cultural Centre. (Centro Cultural).
I am writing this from the car in the Car Park.
However, there is free broadband wifi here!
terça-feira, 20 de janeiro de 2009
Telephone Line/Mobile internet access Portugal
This is my speciality. I am based in Lagos.
Can you tell us where you are? There are various options depending where you are! If you are in a rural location, you may be restricted to PT (Portugal Telecom) or Vodafone (dependent on line of site to Mobile Mast - THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT). Also if you are more that 5000m from an adsl equipped exchange/sub-exchange you probably will not be able to get broadband over the phone line.
In certain urban areas you may have a broader range of options, including cable.
If you can post and idea of your location as well as what type of PC/operating System you have may be able to give more information.
Can you tell us where you are? There are various options depending where you are! If you are in a rural location, you may be restricted to PT (Portugal Telecom) or Vodafone (dependent on line of site to Mobile Mast - THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT). Also if you are more that 5000m from an adsl equipped exchange/sub-exchange you probably will not be able to get broadband over the phone line.
In certain urban areas you may have a broader range of options, including cable.
If you can post and idea of your location as well as what type of PC/operating System you have may be able to give more information.
sexta-feira, 9 de janeiro de 2009
Low Cost Notebooks
For those who don't normally head back to the UK frequently, most Worten/Vobis/Radio Popular shops have been retailing the bottom of the range ASUS EEEpc and acer aspire one here in Portugal for several months now.
Although prices are a bit higher than £99.00, the local ones come with a 2 year local guarantee. Unfortunately, the Windows versions tend to be installed with Windows in Portuguese.
However, although the LINUX version of the Asus EEEpc comes installed in Portuguese, running a simple script in the terminal changes 95% of the operating system and programmes into English. It also runs beautifully with Vodafone/TMN/Kanguru dongles.
Bought one for the other half in July. She travels around Europe a lot and loves it.
Ours came from Chipsite who have shops in Lagos and Lisbon. They also do mail order.
They currently offer the Asus EEEpc with linux for € 195.00
See: http://www.chipsite.pt/list.php?fm=343
Although prices are a bit higher than £99.00, the local ones come with a 2 year local guarantee. Unfortunately, the Windows versions tend to be installed with Windows in Portuguese.
However, although the LINUX version of the Asus EEEpc comes installed in Portuguese, running a simple script in the terminal changes 95% of the operating system and programmes into English. It also runs beautifully with Vodafone/TMN/Kanguru dongles.
Bought one for the other half in July. She travels around Europe a lot and loves it.
Ours came from Chipsite who have shops in Lagos and Lisbon. They also do mail order.
They currently offer the Asus EEEpc with linux for € 195.00
See: http://www.chipsite.pt/list.php?fm=343
Subscrever:
Mensagens (Atom)
