Once again, it's the year of the Linux Desktop. Actually, it might be the eighth Year of Linux Desktops, because I stopped counting. However, I have shifted my main work machine from one running Windows XP to two running (right now) Ubuntu 7.10 and OpenSuSE 10.3. All my browsing, e-mail, and word processing work now takes place on a Linux machine.
I'm using an Avocent KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch to jump between four computers: two running XP, and two running Linux. This KVM switch is several years old, but Avocent just sent a new one to try that should support my Macintosh as well. I'll let you know when I get it up and running.
My “old main” PC running XP still hosts a Personal Information Manager application with 450+ entries I'm trying to transfer to an online PIM. Any suggestions? I also need to do something organized with e-mail left in Thunderbird on the XP box.
The majority of my time on a computer during the day now happens on a Linux system. Things are a little different; some are better, some are worse. This blog entry is being written on OpenOffice 2.3 running on Ubuntu Linux 7.10. I'll post this using Firefox on Ubuntu. I store all my files on a Network Attached Storage device, so I can access all of them from any of my computers.
If you're interested, I'll write up more details, including Linux wonders and warts, in a newsletter. Let me know.
The Leader in Network Knowledge
look forward to seeing more
look forward to seeing more details on the wonders and warts since I'm planning to get my box to run Ubuntu or Fedora instead....most worrying about is the support of different software (since I had loads of different types of software in XP and didn't have time to test them all)...
Linux Wonders and Warts
Look for Linux software alternatives for your XP software. Open Source software usually has versions for Windows and Linux. Common Linux distributions include many of the software tools you have to add extra in Windows.
Let me know how your conversion goes.
James
Linux Desktops, finally?
Yes, I'd love more details. As I plan a new addition to my company's business, I'm evaluating whether Linux might be a real part of it.
And, do you like Open Suse 10 better than Novell's SLED?
Heman
Linux Desktops, finally?
I have the new OpenSuSE 10.3 but don't have the latest Novell SLED. I had version 10.2 but don't remember any strong likes or dislikes. The layout of SLED won't be familiar to Windows users, if I remember correctly. OpenSuSE looks a little odd, too, at first.
James
RE: Desktop
With OPENSuSE 10.3, you might want to switch the menu style (if you are running KDE). Right click on the menu kicker on the lower left panel. Select "Switch to KDE Style"
Email & More
I use IMAP with email ... that way, mail is synchronized between machines.
Thunderbird is an easy way to transfer mail & contacts from an XP machine to MAC or Linux. Run the XP Thunderbird and import old settings. Then copy the files to MAC or Linux box. All old mail, etc should be there. Another way to hand old mail is to use an IMAP server and copy old mail to that server.
Supposedly, IMAP can do contacts. I haven't crossed this bridge yet. GroupDAV and Funambol look interesting.