Is Ubuntu Ready for a Non-tech-savvy Girlfriend?
Many people are buzzing about Linux’s newest OS, called Ubuntu, which operates under the open source GNU license. This small and stable operating system is making a splash around the world for it usability and high security levels, unlike previous Linux systems. Though it's cited as a user friendly OS like Microsoft Windows, it's still a Linux based system, so there are some differences when compared to Windows.
Technology has always been a tough sell for women. However, throughout the years, things have changed. One reason that you hear more women opening up to Windows is that it can be less intimidating than a Mac or even Linux computer.
What Makes Ubuntu Different?
Many people are buzzing about Linux’s newest OS, called Ubuntu, which operates under the open source GNU license. This small and stable operating system is making a splash around the world for its usability and high security levels, unlike previous Linux systems. Though it's cited as a user-friendly OS like Microsoft Windows, it's still a Linux based system, so there are some differences.
While it's not Windows, it's also not a Mac system, although it can be learned quickly once users dip their virtual feet into the Linux environment. Linux has made some big strides with Ubuntu, so we created a list ranking just how easy it can be for the beginner, male or female, to use Ubuntu.
Accessibility
One nice thing about Ubuntu is that it's very easy to find. Thanks to the GNU license, many people can modify and distribute it. It's not dominated by a corporation like the Windows or Mac OS. And while it's open source, meaning that you can download it for free, it can also be sold on the market. It would be highly recommended for those who decide to sell if for a profit to add something of value to make this a worthwhile purchase, because people can get the exact same system for free!
Some versions of Ubuntu that can be found on their website include the Desktop, Netbook, and Server editions. Of course you can also find other variations if you look hard enough., like Edubuntu and Kubuntu. However those two were not put out by the main creators of the original Ubuntu and might not contain all the core components of the original.
Production Tools
Most people use a computer to work or become more productive and Ubuntu is on top of that. Like all other mainstream operating systems, Ubuntu comes fully loaded with productive tools that can used for a multitude of things. Evolution is the software that Ubuntu uses for email, contacts, calendar, and other task features. It appears to work almost exactly like Windows Mail, with the layout included. So this should be easy enough to use even for newbie’s of Linux. This was most likely the goal of the software‘s creators to create an easy to use Windows Mail clone. However if you prefer to use a more well known web based email service, you can. Evolution does allow you to check more than one email account at a time, which should be a time saver for many people.
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Apologies if I seem rude, but why on earth would you post a patronising article like this without clearly stating that it came from some commerical mass-media windows-oriented blog?
They claim that Ubuntu is new and can’t even be bothered to use the term “distribution”. Then they have the gall to suggest that women are only just ‘opening up’ to using computers, starting with Windows because it’s simpler?
Hardly a glowing recommendation for Ubuntu written by a competent reporter that’s done their research, is it?
Pardon me. My ire is directed at them, not you…
No it’s not. That’s what Archlinux is for. My non-tech-savvy wife uses it and loves it.
My non tech savy Grandfather who is 87 can use Ubun tu just fine, and so can my non tech savy aunt, so can my non tech savy father… you get the idea.
FYI there appear to be comments that are turning up in the “be notified when someone replies” mails, but not turning up on the actual page.
I see a comment from a ‘Noadi’ who says she’s a woman reader of this blog and is now ‘pissed off’?
Ubuntu is not even close to being “Linux’s newest OS”. Please update your article accordingly.
Maybe when Adobe Flash player will works perfectly under ubuntu or Adobe Flash player died!
@Shadowfirebird, My thoughts exactly, they seem to draw a direct link between “female” and “technically inept”. There is more than enough of this crap everywhere else on the internet, I don’t really need to see it regurgitated here.
If you want to draw more women into the community, perhaps start by not insulting them.
you for got to mention the “meta “”release”” lubuntu
install ubuntu-minimal/ubuntu-standard and then apt-get install lubuntu-desktop similar kind of relationship as kubuntu xubuntu
I believe anyone can use any platform (read OS) as long as they are introduced to the basics and some people are there to help. I have introduced many non-techie friends of mine to Ubuntu and other flavours of Linux and after the initial awkwardness of a new system they are absolutely thrilled with the OS platform that provides them such freedom.
This article is a little patronising and yeah technology as such has never been hard for women or for that matter any sub-sect. It is just that people still believe that geeks/ nerds are only males. Which is rubbish of course.
Ah, without digressing, I sincerely believe Ubuntu is the OS of choice for any non-gamer out there who would like to experience a new operating system. Its beautiful.
My Girlfriend and my mum.. are ubunting since one years 😀
I have been using Ubuntu as a solution for my ‘silver surfers’ – elderly customers who need a web and email terminal without the unnecessary expense of proprietary brand operating systems. Aside from the benefits of stability and security with Ubuntu, they seem to find it instinctive and easy to use. No need for the sexist stuff, really.
Yeah, condescending to women is a shitty and ineffective way to sell them on a new OS. What is the point of endorsing such sexist, factually incorrect (“Linux’s newest OS?”), poorly-written articles? For chrissakes, the author repeats an entire paragraph and expects the reader not to notice! If I heard this kind of nonsense from the Ubuntu team, rather than just some third-party, second-rate blog, it would make me want to UNINSTALL Ubuntu.
i am very happy with ubuntu except the flash performance.. flash required pages are still slow and choppy such as youtube and some others too.. any good idea or adobe alternative for this problem ?