Dear friends,
Firstly, people who come in might ask, what exactly is Ubuntu? Ubuntu is a Open Source Operating System based on the Linux system. It is one of the most popular OS Operating Systems around after the commercial Red-Hat or Fedora. To read more about it you can go here.
Currently, other than my Operating System which is Windows, the other programs I have are mostly open source. Trillian for instant messaging, Foxit Reader for Acrobat files, Firefox, Pdf995 for converting my files to PDF format and so forth. Oh ya, most importantly, I use OpenOffice. The only non-open source program I have is Photoshop which unfortunately up to now, GimpShop Pro is unable to ablely replicate the functions especially plug-ins wise. Of course, the only reason for me to go Open Source is the $$$, as well as the joy/pain of learning how to install these ubiquitous programs.
I know that currently Photoshop is unable to go Linux or open source so for photographers here, using Ubuntu is a no-no. However, we only use Photoshop at home, what I am asking is from a purely business stand-point, is it feasible, or possible to be purely Open Source? (Original Software for business can easily set a SME by $2,000?)
The main attractions of open source is of course the $$$ and the fines if caught by the authorities, and thereafter, the lack of viruses since most virus writers wont target such a small minority. Anyone who's business or office have gone fully OpenSource?
Is there any problems with Software, Hardware(printer, modem) drivers, or inconveniences you have to face? How about printers, usually I see now in my Brother MFC Printer is only Windows and Mac versions, how to install Linux or Ubuntu versions?
I am now very interested because in future, if I start my own business, these are factors I want to consider. Anyone with real world experience, please help!
And if possible, can let me go your office to take a look? haha.
Cheers!
Jeremy
Firstly, people who come in might ask, what exactly is Ubuntu? Ubuntu is a Open Source Operating System based on the Linux system. It is one of the most popular OS Operating Systems around after the commercial Red-Hat or Fedora. To read more about it you can go here.
Currently, other than my Operating System which is Windows, the other programs I have are mostly open source. Trillian for instant messaging, Foxit Reader for Acrobat files, Firefox, Pdf995 for converting my files to PDF format and so forth. Oh ya, most importantly, I use OpenOffice. The only non-open source program I have is Photoshop which unfortunately up to now, GimpShop Pro is unable to ablely replicate the functions especially plug-ins wise. Of course, the only reason for me to go Open Source is the $$$, as well as the joy/pain of learning how to install these ubiquitous programs.
I know that currently Photoshop is unable to go Linux or open source so for photographers here, using Ubuntu is a no-no. However, we only use Photoshop at home, what I am asking is from a purely business stand-point, is it feasible, or possible to be purely Open Source? (Original Software for business can easily set a SME by $2,000?)
The main attractions of open source is of course the $$$ and the fines if caught by the authorities, and thereafter, the lack of viruses since most virus writers wont target such a small minority. Anyone who's business or office have gone fully OpenSource?
Is there any problems with Software, Hardware(printer, modem) drivers, or inconveniences you have to face? How about printers, usually I see now in my Brother MFC Printer is only Windows and Mac versions, how to install Linux or Ubuntu versions?
I am now very interested because in future, if I start my own business, these are factors I want to consider. Anyone with real world experience, please help!
And if possible, can let me go your office to take a look? haha.
Cheers!
Jeremy
