Linux for simple users - Ubuntu and OpenOffice

Since the beginning in my Linux story, Linux installations has been easier and easier. Up to now, what we see is Linux growing more and more in companies. Not on the desks, but working where the common user does not see.

There, there are no need to use graphic interface, or mouses. It is a completely different world, where all the commands are issued at a black screen with small white letters, completely senseless. At least, for common users.

Common users want to turn on the system, enter their login account and password, and use it by clicking the Internet browser. Oh, forgot the MSN also. We will try to discuss and show some details of Linux security and Linux installation.

High Cost of Aquisition
The problem is the cost of proprietary software. Here in Brazil MS Windows and MS Office are very expensive, as can be seen in the picture. In this famous Brazilan store, I choose Windows Ultimate with SP1 in DVD, an MS Office 2007 Standard version, in CD. Both cost R$ 1,798.00 (US$ 715.90 and EUR$ 555.00), today. Almost the same buy in Amazon.com costs a a little less, but with the more complete MS Office Professional 2007 full version: US$ 649.98 (R$ 1,632.43). I am not considering the Anti Virus (there is no chance for making use of MS Windows if you do not install such software).

No Cost of Aquisition
Considering all the functions that MS Office offers to you (and I believe that today there are no better Office Suit) I'd say that it is reasonable to pay such value. But, I believe that the majority of end users doesn't even know lots of basic procedures of MS Word or MS Excel. Many just need Power Point installed to read those presentations that come attached in many emails. So, in second hand, this money stars to get really expensive. If I consider the Linux I am using nowadays (Ubuntu 8.10, download here) and the Office Suite (Open Office 2) that is always helping me in writing my texts an sheets, I will conclude that I just "spent" the time to download Ubuntu, since OpenOffice is already installed in it. Nothing to buy, nothing difficult to use, and much more interesting (in brightness and cute stuff on screen). If you wanna know how, take a look at this, this and this. Just to start.

Compatibility
Of course, there are problems. No software made to Windows will work in Linux. In fact, some of then can, but not usually. Depending on the format of files, they can all be read. Except the new format DOCX. Ok, lots of people that yet use Office 2003 will have some troubles reading documents saved with MS Office 2007 also. Games and some other software will not work. But the problem is not resting on Linux. The software developers just make a version for Windows. Until they make a version for Linux (as they sometimes make an Apple version), their software will never work.

Open Software people are always looking for soving such problems of us. For DOCX problems, there is this solution. It is worhty.

Today, I am extremely used to work with Ubuntu 3D Desktop, and I get some frustated when I havo to use Windows and I find no especial effects, not only because it is funny, but because it is practical.

Conclusion
So, if you read/send emails, write some texts and sheets, and access Internet, Ubuntu may be for you. You should really give a try.

Next time, let's try to understand a little more about Linux security procedures and Linux installation. Feel free to post any questions.