Startups: OpenSource is your friend

by suhail + • August 10, 2012 • Startups, Technology • 0 Comments

I know your question, whats novel about this? Open source may already be in place in your office, the servers and applications may have been set.You may have already have Linux server with apache or nginx, php, python, ruby, mysql or postgresql. The Open source is already in use and the work has started.

But i am not pointing at the servers, i am talking about the desktops and laptops. Instead of going for windows OS, purchasing licenses, then again purchasing licenses for other required softwares, why don’t you switch to linux, for desktops and laptops. I assure once you get used to it, things will be much smoother than it was on your windows or Mac machine.

My linux OS recommendations for desktops and laptops are Ubuntu, Debian, and LinuxMint. They are easy to install and use, for newbies, you may go through some confusions on whats where and the How Tos, but thats okay, just give it some time.

For people who are already using Linux, particularly Ubuntu, but finding it difficult to handle the new Gnome 3, like me, i suggest, go with Debian 6 or LinuxMint, i won’t recommend the tweaks mentioned online for making gnome 3 work like gnome 2, they don’t work exactly as gnome 2 used to, and create more of a nuisance, I have already tried my hands at it and crashed the GUI a number of times and then got mad at myself. The other option is to go for Ubuntu 10.04, it has Gnome2 and its an LTS version, so if you have got that or are planning to get it, then that’s really good.

Yes, for Ubuntu users, always go for the LTS (Long Term Support) versions, means 3 years support for Desktops and 5 years for servers, and as stated in the ubuntu wiki page, starting from 12.04 it will be 5 years for both.

Once again, i am repeating this, newbies, give it some time, just don’t throw in the towel. I assure you, gradually, things will become smoother and you’ll surely be more geeky and nerdy than you were before.

photo source: Ubuntu Brand Guidelines, Debian logos

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