“This whole article was written as a result of my own as well as my family and friends experiences with Linux, given that, I don’t think Linux is a good choice is for everybody. Just like I would also say Windows is not for everybody either! The truth is you need to evaluate your needs first, do some homework, and then decide if you want to spend too much money on software and hardware.” Read the shootout review at JiniComputer.com.
Linux In Dubai: How Does it Compare?
About The Author
Eugenia Loli
Ex-programmer, ex-editor in chief at OSNews.com, now a visual artist/filmmaker.
Follow me on Twitter @EugeniaLoli
a good and sincere article.
why dont more people offer linux training also?
im sure people can be taught to use abiword, open office etc. instead of more costly options.
most linux/unix training has traditionally been to teach how to use command line etc.. but now atleast people can learn how to use the gui also;
cheers
ram
What are you talking about? I’ve walked plenty of times along Computer Street (Khalid bin Waleed Road)in Bur Dubai and seen them Selling fully boxed Redhat 7.2 and 8.0 when I was there (The big shops, not mom n pop stores). Awesome place tho, dubai.
it’s a user experience. Still interesting though.
Anyone who says a 3 year old can have 1 year of computer user experience can not be taken too seriously.
He says you cant find Linux in shops, not true.
Also, being that I have lived in Dubai, I remember seeing Linux and Unix in many places.
Under his Security section of the evaluation, he states
“No problem at all. No viruses, no hacks, no spyware, none.”
Well, this is not accurate and misleading, Linux has security concerns too.
Nice change from the normal linux is/isn’t ready for the desktop stories. It is always fun to read people’s experience with Linux for the first time.
And yes, I know of a 3yr old who has been using a computer for a while – about the only thing he does is play games on disney.com, but hey, he’s only 3!
I am not saying a 3 year old cant use a computer.
My 3 year old daughter uses the computer.
What I am saying is a 3 year old can not have a year of practical computer experience.
Nor can his 8 year old have 5 years of practical computer experience.
3 and 8 year olds perception and level of experience is no way comparable to that of a teenager or an adult.
Hence, him throwing in their experience levels is a little weird.
I am not going to use Linux because a 3 year old has a year of experience. 🙂 ROFL
Ken, thank you for your comment, I will try and clarify some points you mentioned above:
1. Yes I attempted to add humour in some places in the article, it’s not a very serious article, however, saying my 3 year old has 1 year “user” experience meant as a “3 year old can USE and ENJOY Linux” and he has done that for the last year, he knows how to switch the machine on, log on to his account, watches movies/cartoons (VCD & DVD), he draws with TuxPaint, he likes to play Mr Potato Head and so on…and I tought him to press ctrl-alt-backspace after he finishes. So Linux and it’s applications have come a long way in terms of user-friendly-ness.
2. Shops selling Linux. In “my” experience I found only one in Dubai Duty Free. I shall agree with you that there may be shops here and there, but either you’ll have hunt for them, or stumble on them by chance. Being in Dubai, I think I should be able to purchase Linux from big shops like Plug’ins, Carrefour or CompuME. I often go to Computer Plaza which is full of computer shops, no luck there either. And I think the reason is pretty simple, not much demand.
3. Since I started using Linux at home and in the Office a few years ago, I had “no” security or virus problems. In contrast, my fellows (Windows users) in the company did and my friends also faced many Windows related problems which even resulted in reformatting the hard disk. If Linux had serious security problems, or virus concerns as you say, then I guess I was lucky.
8^)
Haider.