A Webmaster’s Point of View on Linux
I’ve been attempting to settle in with an OS (operating system) that would work well with my design work and general duties such as pictures, videos, image editing, graphic creation and site work. A lot of things happened along the way that headed me in the direction I’m in now with Ubuntu’s Hardy Heron.
Windows’ constant ability to freeze or crash right in the middle of a project was one of my main
reasons for looking elsewhere for stability. Even though the installs of WinXP and Vista were as stable as they could be, all updates current….it made no difference. Thus, the change in OS’s was inevitable.
Ubuntu and the various apps, software and programs that are either available or installed right along with the version of Ubuntu itself have come along way in a short time. This means great things are in store for the end user because Ubuntu is getting better every time we use it.
Case in point:
Previously, I had been hanging on to my WinXP install on the 2nd HD due to the fact I still was struggling with the various apps like The GIMP, Inkscape, Kompozer and others for my site work. Since that time I’ve been more successful with each of these apps and my skill level has increased to the point I hardly ever booted into WinXP.
Since my experience with the latest offering from Ubuntu (8.04) which led up to a clean installation, I wiped WinXP from the 2nd HD and am on the path to a Windows-free environment. The only exception here is the laptop I bought not too long ago with Vi$ta on it that my wife will soon inherit…again. She has to have Windows for her job. Tsk.
My goal for 2008 was to be Windows-free by the end of the year and it’s looking like that’s going to happen sooner than I expected. So, what led me to getting there sooner? I attribute this to Ubuntu’s growing reputation, user-friendly apps, and the ease in which my daily tasks can be completed since going to it for all my computing needs.
Examples:
Where I used to use Dreamweaver, Fireworks and Photoshop exclusively for my site work and graphics creation, I know use Kompozer, Bluefish, gPHPEdit, The GIMP and Inkscape. Toss in Filezilla for FTP duties and you have a very capable set of tools to create with. Totally Windows free too I might add. 
Add in gTwitter, checkGMail, Network Tools and a host of other apps that make my life much simpler and you have a very happy camper with Ubuntu.
I’ll admit that it was a rocky start with Linux but a little perseverance paid big dividends at the end and I’m very satisfied with it today. I’m still learning more about Linux and Ubuntu and am glad it’s becoming easier to do so.
Summation:
For a budding webmaster or one whose work is just getting going, expenses can be daunting. Especially today when gas and things in general cost so much. A new design business needs all the financial help it can get. Designing in Ubuntu can cut those expenses drastically. Do the math and see for yourself. Compare the expense of Dreamweaver vs. Kompozer for example. Free vs. $399!
For a this webmaster and graphics creator, Ubuntu has found a home.
Expand your mind and your experience by giving Ubuntu a try. Down the road, you’ll thank yourself and maybe help someone else to find their way to Linux too!
