Desktops for Linux - An Overview |
|||
For the purposes of this presentation, I would say that
a desktop is a suite of applications that allow for
integration between each other. Desktops are usually
further refined to provide the concept of 'objects',
as files or directories which can be moved with ease.
I think that Linux exceeds the quality of just about
any other operating system when comparing speed,
stability, reliability, and similar factors.
But it also has a perception, along with other Unices,
of being difficult to use. In fact, I would imagine
that a large portion of the estimated five to seven
million Linux users worldwide have technical
backgrounds or are familiar with other Unices.
To bring Linux into more widespread use, desktop
environments are key to providing the user
interface with with the Mac/Windows crowd are familiar.
One of the benefits of Linux is that it has often
chartered new waters in relation to commercial
Unices -- and if you've ever used a vendor-supplied
version of UNIX, you'll know what I mean. In
continuing that trend, Linux represents a very
large developer base for the GNOME, KDE and similar
projects. Although these projects work on many
other Unices, much of the work is done natively
in Linux.
I realize that some veteran command-line junkies might
prefer the speed of typing in commands, but I also
think that they might also like to accomplish
certain tasks in a desktop environment. Besides,
the Xterm will probably still be your favorite
application!
|
|||
|