Some of you know that I've been using linux (specifically, Ubuntu Studio) lately. I've been trying just about every program out there, and I can say for certain that ubuntu IS ready for digital photographers - professional or not.
I'm doing do an experiment with several professional and amateur photographers, ranging from seasoned computer geeks (namely me!) to people who have never seen an installation disk. I think if commercial software vendors see that real professionals (and serious amateurs!) are really ready to switch from windows (or mac - linux works on ANY system!), they'll open up to linux and start producing software.
What's in it for us? Lots. Right now, for the most part, people assume photographers use either windows or mac. Opening up to linux brings another competitor to the table, and a very serious one. Linux offers the speed, power, and ease of use that mac users (rightfully!) brag about - with the hardware pricing of pcs. This means if it takes off, macs will have to compete with the lower pricing of pcs, windows will have to really work on producing sound, solid code, and best of all, linux (and the open source community) gets more users, more focus, and more reasons to produce amazing software.
Who else uses linux? How about these names:
Disney/Pixar
Google
IBM
Most hollywood studios (seriously!)
Just about every web hosting company out there
me (not that I'm up there with those guys! LOL)
You don't need to be a "nerd" to do this either - in fact, we have some "basic" users. We're all going to post about our experiences, both good and bad. If you've been bemoaning the problems with Vista, or are just tired of seeing your computer slowing down because of all the excess baggage that is included (or gets installed), this may just be your ticket to unlocking the true power of your computer.
Another goal is to get more software companies to support the linux platform. There are several right now, including:
Bibble Labs - www.bibblelabs.com
These guys produce a great cross platform image processing program (similar to lightroom). If you haven't heard of it, you should really give it a try. It's super fast, has lots of built in features (like PerfectImage and Noise Ninja) and supports some amazing plugins. They have announced that they will be releasing their new version before the end of the year, and that anyone who purchases a license from this point forward will receive the next version at NO CHARGE.
LightCrafts - www.lightcrafts.com
Another image processing program, and it uses a very unique "Zone" system. It's very intuative for complex curve adjustments, and I have been able to quickly produce images and effects that I have yet to duplicate with any other program. Their program is called LightZone, and is another example of cross platform programming.
Google Picasa - picasa.google.com
Google has been a great supporter of linux. While this program is technically a windows program with a custom WINE wrapper (WINE is a windows wrapper for linux), they still took the lead, and provided lots of updates to the WINE community. Of course, this program is free!
If you use any windows or mac specific programs, we need to show the software makers that linux has a valid user base who are willing to purchase programs for this OS. Make your voice heard! Email their customer service, ask for linux versions. Post on forums that you use linux. Help your friends try linux.
As seen on a hilarious Mac vs PC (vs Linux) spoof on YouTube - "Tap into the unlimited power of community!"
Keep an eye here. We'll all be posting quite a bit about our experience. Hope you join us!
Shan
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