Ten reasons Linux desktops lead the way

• Tags:
• Usability,
• Desktop,
• Open Source,
• Linux

Jack Wallen

Published: 19 Jun 2009 11:55 BST

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...for every application you install, but then you'll end up with a desktop full of icons. A desktop with more thought put into the design is much easier to use than one that seems as haphazard as Windows.

6. How much does your desktop weigh?

Vista is huge and devours your resources. A big reason for that is its desktop. Windows 7 will be better, but that would not be difficult. Having an operating system where the desktop eats up most of your resources is a barrier to productivity.

When you need to dedicate your CPU cycles to more important applications — such as work — you need a desktop that is not going to fight them tooth and nail for resources.

Yes, RAM is cheap now, but tossing in more should not be considered a solution. That approach simply avoids the problem. It is the Microsoft way. The Linux way is to optimise applications so that they do not require as much RAM. The desktop is a perfect example of this.

7. Compliant desktop

The Linux desktop is the one made for the people by the people. It asks you want you want to do — it does not tell you.

One of the true beauties of the Linux desktop is that it works with you. Microsoft's old slogan was "Where do you want to go today?", and it took you places, but they were not necessarily where you wanted to go.

Let me give you an example. I dislike icons and panels. I like mouse menus and lots of transparency. I like the 3D cube. Getting that out of a Windows desktop would be a nightmare. Pulling that trick on Linux is simple.

In fact, I can find a distribution with the exact desktop by default. Or I can put together my own using various window managers and applets. Is the average user going to go to such lengths? Not really, but nevertheless they can if they want to.

8. Better keyboarding

I like to work as efficiently as I can. That means not constantly having to move back and forth between my keyboard and mouse. With the Linux desktop, keyboard shortcuts are the norm. I can do nearly everything I need to without having to move my fingers from the keyboard.

And if there is no keyboard shortcut for an action, I can create one. Nearly every Linux desktop has a tool to allow keybindings. You can even bind that insipid Windows key so that it does something more useful than bringing up the Start menu.

9. Widgets done right

If you have played with KDE 4, you have experienced the widget. This is the point where the Linux desktop merges with OS X — only Apple's operating system is a copy of the original Superkaramba.

This application places small widgets on the desktop that serve various uses — from news tickers and system information to viewing comic strips.

These widgets consume few resources and can be quickly hidden or viewed. Microsoft tried this feature in Vista with the Google sidebar. It failed miserably. KDE 4 widgets work well and make the user experience much better by having often used or viewed widgets, or information, readily available at all times.

10. Top-notch update systems

In more modern Linux desktops, updates are obvious and readily available. And they do not always come in huge chunks like Windows updates. Instead, there are more micro updates that take care of single bugs or smaller sets of bugs. And these updates come out fast. So when a bug is discovered, it is quickly squashed.

The most recent Gnome desktop has one of the best update systems available, with a system tray notifier that makes it obvious there is an update and makes it simple to either run or not. It is the single most user-friendly update tool available.

On board with Linux?
These 10 attributes are some of the things that make the Linux desktop more useful. Do they pique your interest and make you want to try Linux if you have not already? If that is the case, please share your experiences.

Credit: 10 ways the Linux desktop improves the user experience from TechRepublic.com

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