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Should You Install Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is making some noise in the world of operating systems, but is it really worth the switch over? In a computing world dominated by companies like Apple and Microsoft, can an open source project compete? The release of Apple’s OSX Lion and the imminent release of the Windows 8 beta download, is it really possible for there to be room for another operating system?

The internet world is a buzz with news the Windows 8 beta download will be available very soon, Apple has just launched its new operating system Lion. The two superpowers are going into battle once again as the world of tablets, smartphones and multiple-device user-ism takes hold. Cloud computing got a shot in the arm with the launch of iCloud, which was a slap in the face for companies like Google, Amazon and Microsoft, who have been working on cloud computing for some time. There is another operating system that is making a little bit of noise, Ubuntu, the modern day version of Linux, if you will. So is it worth installing?

  • It is Free.The biggest advantage of Ubuntu is the fact that it is free. It is a product of, and is being developed by open source programmers around the world. It is their way of getting back at the bigger players perhaps?
  • Why Use it?Just like the operating system itself, all of the applications that run on the operating system are free too. From a global and social perspective, it can be argued that everyone deserves to have access to an operating system and applications no matter what their financial condition is. For countries like Africa, where many millions of people cannot afford an operating system, Ubuntu is a very good solution.
  • Does it Really Work.I hate to be a kill-joy, but after trialing the Ubuntu system for some time, it is obvious there are some serious problems. I am not the only one who says this. There are bugs with the system, applications and compatibility all over the place. Perhaps, with time, and more free effort from open source programmers, the system and applications will improve. It was not long ago Open Office was running like a car that needed some serious maintenance. It has changed into a very smooth operating application that easily competes with Microsoft Office.
  • Next Level.Microsoft’s new Windows 8 and Apple’s OSX Lion are already taking personal computing to the next level. They are creating the next generation of operating systems, a change in user interface that is easier to use and works well with cloud computing. Ubuntu is already behind in the race. Cloud computing is finally starting to launch and Ubuntu is yet to be fully functional. This is not to say that Ubuntu will not catch up over time, but it can be said those other players will specialise in what actually works on their operating system. Their operating systems will be tied to the cloud computing services they provide.

So in short, is Ubuntu a real option for the average person in a modern Western society? The answer is a simple and resounding, ‘No’. It does not function well for the average user who is used to something like what Apple and Microsoft provide. Inadvertently, we have already been educated and trained by these big companies for some time. Ubuntu is a great social project and ideal. We should thank those open source programmers for what they are doing for the 3rd World.

The Secret Is Out!

It’s not a SECRET anymore! Yes, it’s true. Karinne Legault has stepped down from her position as active co-founder at The Web Squeeze. Many of you have already read this on her twitter or blog.  Karinne is a wonderful person, friend, and web designer who put a lot of time, and energy into making The Web Squeeze happen. She deserves credit for so much that we can’t list it all in one post. But most importantly TWS 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and the Collision Hosting design! (Screen Shots Below) She served up a lot of juice in the Squeeze Bar. Karinne brought an expertize and a sense of humor to The Web Squeeze that will certainly be missed. We hope that she will remain in the community and still stop by every so often. We wish her good luck and peace. Live long and prosper-Karinne! We love you!

The Web Squeeze v1.0
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The Web Squeeze v1.5
TWS v1.5

The Web Squeeze v2.5
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Collision Hosting v1.0
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Happy Holidays from TWS

Over the next 2 weeks, The Web Squeeze crew will be taking a short break on the publishing front. We’re hard at work behind closed doors to bring you and the TWS community some extra special things in the new year and for that we need your input!

What would you like to see more of on TWS?

We need you, our faithful readers, to tell us what kind of articles and tutorials (or even reviews) that you would like TWS to cover. We need your opinion to help us make TWS better. So, tell us! What do you like? What do you dislike? What would you like to see more of, less of? Etc…

Don’t be shy, leave us a comment!

On that note, we would like to wish you all Happy Holidays!