Wednesday 3 September 2008

different computer operating systems

A comment on one of my previous posts asked what the benefits and drawbacks were in using Linux.

Well, everyone has their own needs, and what suits one person may not suit someone else, so here are my personal views.

Drawbacks of running Linux include having to wait for drivers that handle your particular computer hardware (or writing it yourself if you are capable), transferring data to/from proprietory programs used by your colleagues, and generally perceived as a bit awkward by those who use a different, more widespread system.

Advantages are the cost and the feeling that I am contributing in some small way to freedom of choice. I have a full database system, web server, accounts package, UML diagramming, music package (MIDI interface and notation editor) and office software all free.

I have made offerings to some of them mostly in the way of documentation and whilst appreciated this is not obligatory. But it is this sense of community, and helping each other that initially drew me to Linux all those years ago.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

The main drawback as I see it is the license terms that dictate that the user shall have a beard and wear sandals

Anonymous said...

Hi!

I am having problems with this cordless keyboard. The receiver is detected by linux (CentOS) and when i press connect on both receiver and keyboard they seem to react to each other. The receiver ends up with a green light on the "F". It also reacts to NumLock pressed on my wired keyboard. However, nothing happens when I press any buttons on the wireless keyboard. It uses Logitechs SecureConnect technology if that should matter. It did work on a Windows machine. Any suggestions for linux?

Different output:

$/sbin/lsusb:
...
Bus 007 Device 003: ID 046d:c517 Logitech, Inc. LX710 Cordless Desktop Laser
...

$dmesg | grep -i logitech
input: Logitech USB Receiver as /class/input/input0
input: USB HID v1.10 Keyboard [Logitech USB Receiver] on usb-0000:00:1d.1-2
input: Logitech USB Receiver as /class/input/input1
input,hiddev96: USB HID v1.10 Mouse [Logitech USB Receiver] on usb-0000:00:1d.1-2
input: Logitech USB Receiver as /class/input/input5
input: USB HID v1.10 Keyboard [Logitech USB Receiver] on usb-0000:00:1d.1-1
input: Logitech USB Receiver as /class/input/input6
input,hiddev96: USB HID v1.10 Mouse [Logitech USB Receiver] on usb-0000:00:1d.1-1

Thanks,
Confused

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I am working on embedded system, the processor is ARM 7, NMS 7210. I am using linux kernel 2.6.20 and armboot-1.1.0.

Linux kernel image and filesystem including busybox are loaded in two different locations on flash.

I want to know, how to configure arm boot loader and linux kernel to include the physical addresses of the Flash memory.

please let me know if any patch is available for the above.

Thanks in advance.

Anonymous said...

A Linux House
Being a Linux user is sort of like living in a house inhabited by a large family of carpenters and architects. Every morning when you wake up, the house is a little different. Maybe there is a new turret, or some walls have moved. Or perhaps someone has temporarily removed the floor under your bed.

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Godfrey,
I read your article with great interest and can honestly say that I have never before been so impressed as I was by the statement that you use Linux to advocate a freedom of choice.
You truly are the Martin Luther King of the computer world.

Anonymous said...

I have been reading up on the subject and it seems to be the case that Bahá'í writings emphasize the equality of all human beings, and the abolition of prejudice. Humanity is seen as essentially one, though highly varied; its diversity of race and culture are seen as worthy of appreciation and acceptance. Doctrines of racism, nationalism, caste, social class and gender-based hierarchy are seen as artificial impediments to unity.
This is all well and good but I do have one question.
Does this include bummers ?