Image via Wikipedia

When you think of the Linux platform, you think of division, fragmentation, and nerds, lots and lots of nerds.  You think of a bunch of part-time developers working hard on a number of exciting projects that never get finished, and that won't work on the version you are running.  It is and was the stereotype of the platform, but as with all things, there is beginning to be progress.

Ubuntu has been one of the handful of Linux distributions to have some user success, during the last couple of years.  One of the pluses for the Ubuntu platform is that they have somehow been able to bring enough people onto the same wavelength.  And this has started to solve the main issue that has been stopping Linux from being a home and business platform.

In a Apple-like way, Ubuntu has focused on the ecosystem and making sure that moving to the platform is as easy as possible.  There are a couple of ways to install software, which don't involve the Terminal and a knowledge of code.  And updating the system works well and is straight forward.  The default install of Ubuntu seems to cover most of the needs of the Windows switcher.

One of the cool ideas/services that came with the last release was UbuntuOne, a online storage/syncing/backup service in the style of Dropbox.  The problem with UbuntuOne for me was that it only had a client for Ubuntu, so I couldn't move files around automatically between all the computers I work on.  So I signed up, but haven't really played with it  because I had Dropbox which does it all for me.

I may be taking another look at UbuntuOne as it looks as though the developers have realised the above and are working on a Windows version to be dropped at PyCon 2010.  Although the wording on the site under Agenda doesn't fill me with much confidence.

The plus here is a service that can be better integrated into the Ubuntu platform and will hopefully mean a better cloud-type solution, making the Ubuntu NetBook, Windows/Ubuntu desktop, and Windows work computer all play nice.

OMGUbuntu.com had a point: "This will finally allow dual-boot users & those who require use of a Windows machine the ability to access, upload and sync their files."

To me all these small steps help make the Linux a home and business desktop option. And as one who has helped his father-in-law install the Ubuntu system as his main desktop,  I have to say that I'm glad that the platform is working on making Ubuntu into that option.  I really don't see a problem with having a high-end Linux platform, and a switcher platform.  As long as the platforms are better than Windows, it's all good.

Jason Remnant

...if it ain't Broken, "We will work on getting Ubuntu One File Sharing to work on Windows." Maybe.