Ubuntu - A Hidden Gem

For most people, the choice of laptop or computer is Windows or Mac both of which are very valid and good strong systems to have. We trust them and we've gotten used to their little quirks over the years (we know the complaints we all have about Windows!).

But for some Windows or Mac isn't the big flashy system we want. Many will have heard of Linux but not necessarily have used Linux. Possibly one of the largest collections of operating systems, Linux systems are just as robust and just as useful. In fact, they can be more secure than their Windows and Mac counterparts as well as less resource hungry resulting in better efficiency. For this reason many servers run a flavour of Linux and this is invisible to the end user.

Now this may sound great but, certain Linux distributions (Red Hat springs to mind) can be quite costly however, as the core of Linux (Unix) has exceptionally similar counterparts, we are fortunate to be able to obtain certain Linux distributions for free...ain't that awesome? These Unix-based systems form the core of a number of distributions and also point to the cheaper price Mac OS X software compared to Windows (seriously read on and I'll explain that further).

The biggest of these distributions is a fantastic operating system called Ubuntu which many may of heard from time to time. A great system with all the features that we've come to love over the years in Windows and Mac and looks a little bit like this:

For those of us that are Mac users, you can probably see the similarities between Ubuntu and Mac in the layout this is because they have the same core system. Pretty cool?

So what are the key advantages of Ubuntu then? Well for a start...it's free including updates and upgrades (apps purchased from the store may come at additional cost). Second, Ubuntu is an open source project meaning that anyone can contribute to the project. Now yes, that sounds risky but these people are experts and have been working on this for decades. But it is due to this, that Ubuntu is relatively secure and immune to viruses. However, this shouldn't be taken for granted and for peace of mind you should source some antivirus software to be safe. There are some good freebies out there.

It doesn't stop here though. As a taster, when you download Ubuntu to a disc, you can boot what is called a live version of Ubuntu on your computer to trial the software. In doing this, your current operating system is not affected and you can experiment with Ubuntu to your hearts content and then remove the disc, restart and you have your computer back as before. This is possibly the only case (certainly the only one I have come across) where you can 'try before you buy' (in this case install).

As well as this, if you're not a hundred percent on giving up your current operating system, you can install Ubuntu side by side with Windows or Mac and use the two. All in all not a bad deal and the installation is clear and well described at every stage.

As well as this, there is a huge amount of support documentation easily accessible by just typing in the issue you have and the answers are there for you, very clear and concise.

So if you've decided that you don't want Windows or Mac or you just feel like something different, give it a spin (please don't do anything you're not confident with without seeking help or consulting the Ubuntu documentation online) and see how you find it. The system will sit on the majority of computers and laptops that have been running Windows and Mac so you don't have to splash out for a new computer.

Hope for those who give it a try you enjoy the user experience of the upcoming system in the computer world.

Until next time enjoy!

Ash

The Multidevice Approach

There are many advantages to modern technology which we see as a great convenience to ourselves and many can be. However, I will reiterate what may have been heard many times before. Exercise caution especially if you sync across many devices.

It's a great and useful tool to have your data accessible across multiple devices so you have it on the go. But, as I discussed in an earlier post, its a one hit takes all if your devices get hacked.

So more a general advice and tips job this post. Don't take this as a don't sync across devices as it's a great approach for the modern day to day tasks we are faced with but don't sync the personal and confidential data across. That is where trouble begins and the difficult task of undoing the damage.

To upgrade or not?

With every new operating system that comes out, be it Mac, Windows, Android or iOS, the most frequent question is should I upgrade my software? The answer to be quite honest, is complex lets not forget the let down Vista was and the abomination that was called Windows 8.

Many did think upgrading to be the best option and were very quickly upset to find several stability issues. However, when the operating system after came round, these users were more cautious of upgrading to then find they were missing out on the complete package that is Windows 7. I can't speak for Windows 10 yet as it is in it's infancy after Wednesday's release however, so far I've heard positive remarks.

Now, upgrading does have numerous benefits including security improvements, especially those still using XP after it's support has ended. But at the same time, the newer systems that are supported by their vendors receive copious updates to keep these vulnerabilities at bay.

To be quite honest with you, it's personal preference. If there are any reader's still on XP then upgrading to at least Windows 7 is a must. If you're on Windows 7, you don't need to be too worried about upgrading at this time as it will be supported for a good few years to come. However, this depends on if you want to take advantage of the free Windows 10 upgrade offered by Microsoft for the next 12 months. If you're on Windows 8, you have nothing to lose in upgrading and you're systems will be the best to handle a newly released operating system.

As I said its preference over necessity at this point for a few years but Windows 10 will ultimately be the defacto in the coming years when 7 is gone.

If you need some more information, visit our new Windows 10 page for upgrading possibilities and advice at www.worleyitservices.com/Windows-10.aspx or get in touch for independent advice on enquiries@worleyitservices.com.

I'll leave it for you to mull over but that's the best way to look at the question. It is preference over necessity at the current time if you don't use XP.

 

The same applies to Mac and Android although, there's not so much a case of security risk as older versions are supported much longer and updates come out more frequently. More often than not, the system will get upgraded when you install updates.

 

At the very least you should aim to have either the current version of software or the version before. These are the most heavily supported systems and will keep you active for much longer before the money needs to be spent on the next best version.

 

Keep it in mind and I'll leave it to you to discuss and debate.

 

ATB

Ash