Post by mikkh on Oct 27, 2009 14:38:34 GMT
You've always been able to do the basics in Linux, but there was a time when the more specialised programs either didn't exist or were command line only and unfriendly to use.
It hasn't happened overnight, but trying a new program just now, I suddenly realised just how far Linux has come and how the need for running back to Windows is almost obsolete now - apart from certain games.
'AcetoneISO' is the latest one to impress me, it's like Poweriso in Windows, but with more features and obviously free.
Years ago when I first started in Linux, I'd be going through the various programs and wondering where an alternative to Nero, DVD ripping and a host of other programs I'd use in Windows were.
I don't use Nero in Windows nowadays anyway, because it's got too big and bloated and just seems 'jack of all trades, master of none' whereas Linux apps have got so much more sophisticated whilst retaining their small size. They're also far easier to use now with friendly GUI front ends and lots of options.
I might have to install K3B, Devedee and Acetoneiso to get a full range of CD/DVD utilities, but together they offer more features than the bloated Nero or Roxio suites and don't take up a tenth of the room on the hard drive.
Unfortunately there's one area where Linux has stuck in a time warp and that's with the much lauded 'Gimp' program. It's Linux's alternative to Photoshop. Yes it's great and full featured and is a lovely compact size like most Linux programs, but it's ugly and cluttered - not to mention annoying with those separate windows. Photoshop isn't exactly intuitive either and has a steep learning curve, but the Gimp has followed suit.
I don't need all that power anyway, but I do want something a little more sophisticated than a simple 'paint' program - and so far I haven't found it. There is Xara eXtreme in Linux though which is a specialised program that is free in Linux, but costs money in Windows!
The future is bright, but it's not Orange - it's Linux
It hasn't happened overnight, but trying a new program just now, I suddenly realised just how far Linux has come and how the need for running back to Windows is almost obsolete now - apart from certain games.
'AcetoneISO' is the latest one to impress me, it's like Poweriso in Windows, but with more features and obviously free.
Years ago when I first started in Linux, I'd be going through the various programs and wondering where an alternative to Nero, DVD ripping and a host of other programs I'd use in Windows were.
I don't use Nero in Windows nowadays anyway, because it's got too big and bloated and just seems 'jack of all trades, master of none' whereas Linux apps have got so much more sophisticated whilst retaining their small size. They're also far easier to use now with friendly GUI front ends and lots of options.
I might have to install K3B, Devedee and Acetoneiso to get a full range of CD/DVD utilities, but together they offer more features than the bloated Nero or Roxio suites and don't take up a tenth of the room on the hard drive.
Unfortunately there's one area where Linux has stuck in a time warp and that's with the much lauded 'Gimp' program. It's Linux's alternative to Photoshop. Yes it's great and full featured and is a lovely compact size like most Linux programs, but it's ugly and cluttered - not to mention annoying with those separate windows. Photoshop isn't exactly intuitive either and has a steep learning curve, but the Gimp has followed suit.
I don't need all that power anyway, but I do want something a little more sophisticated than a simple 'paint' program - and so far I haven't found it. There is Xara eXtreme in Linux though which is a specialised program that is free in Linux, but costs money in Windows!
The future is bright, but it's not Orange - it's Linux