Walt Mossberg Speaks on Ubuntu Linux

On September 13, consumer technology columnist for the Wall Street Journal, Walt Mossberg, gave his opinion as to whether the Ubuntu Linux distribution is ready for the general consumer market; sadly, that opinion was no. He states, “I still advise mainstream, nontechnical users to avoid Linux.” I can certainly understand his points, and I do respect his opinion, but I think that the world of Linux (and indeed computers in general) is rather complex, and therefore allows for more than one take on the situation.

Mr. Mossberg states that Linux has come a long way, but still feels that there are too many rough edges for the average consumer, non-techie, user. His test was done on a Dell Inspiron 1420N. He cites some examples:

• No control panel for the touch pad to adjust it. “I found it so sensitive that I was constantly launching programs and opening windows accidentally by touching the thing.”
• Every time the computer awoke from sleep mode, the volume control app would crash.
• Couldn’t play an mp3 file without downloading a codec.
• Difficulty recognizing camera or iPod.
• Can’t synchronize iPod.
• Flickering and freezing when playing videos.
• Can’t play commercial DVDs.

Although I understand his point, I think there is more to it than that. Joe Panettieri made some good observations on the All About Ubuntu Blog but I would like to add a few.

First, the control panel. I must admit that, after installing Ubuntu 7.04 on my old Gateway laptop, which has a touchpad, I could not find anything under System => Preferences that dealt with it. This may be because I am a Linux newbie, but that is precisely Mr. Mossberg’s point. Okay, one for him. However, perhaps Dell could work with Ubuntu to be sure to include in future a Preferences applet to address this.

Second, the problem with the volume app and the laptop’s sleep mode could well be with Dell, and not Linux. Many computer problems are not directly traceable to the hardware or the software, but to how the two work together. I agree that that is not something that an average user should have to put up with, but it might just as easily have happened if Vista was on the laptop.

Third, the inability to play mp3s and commercial DVDs. This is not a deficiency in Linux or in Ubuntu’s distribution; it is a side effect of DRM and proprietary formats. As Ubuntu’s documentation states,

“Ubuntu strives to make all software that meets the licensing terms in the Ubuntu License Policy available. However patent and copyright restrictions complicate free operating systems distributing software to support proprietary formats.

Ubuntu’s commitment to only include completely free software by default means that proprietary media formats are not configured ‘out of the box’.”

Efforts to protect intellectual property are what stand in Linux’s way, not some programming deficiency or missing feature, as Mr. Mossberg implies, when he states, “there’s no built-in software for playing commercial DVDs.” Totem is a DVD player included with Ubuntu Linux, and can play commercial DVDs after some downloads are installed. Mr. Mossberg correctly observes that the average user would not want to be bothered with downloading codecs, to which Ubuntu responds,

“If [downloading and installing plug-ins and codecs] seems like unnecessary work, remember that Ubuntu is a distribution of free software and these packages are (at least arguably) affected by patents and license restrictions in some countries. Avoid formats suppressed by DRM (Digital Rights Management, or Digital Restrictions Management), as they are often unplayable.”

Here we see where DRM and similar technologies are restricting innovation and competition in the marketplace.

Fourth, problems with replaying videos; he experienced flickering and freezing. Is this typical of Ubuntu installs or just a problem he experienced? Anyone out there experience that? Computer users have dealt with problems like this for decades. This does not mean that Linux, Ubuntu or any other, is not ready for prime time. How many of you out there have had problems like that with Windows?

Finally, problems with his camera and iPod. As I have not tried doing this, I cannot comment. Linux and Ubuntu have come a long way and perhaps this is something that needs to be addressed. However, that is not to say that Linux is not a good choice for the home user that needs web and e-mail, along with word processing. It is also a good “kid computer” for homework and the like, especially with Edubuntu out there.

The bottom line here is that Linux can make a great OS alternative on the home computer, depending on use. I wrote this post on my Ubuntu Feisty Fawn laptop. Am I hitting bumps in the road as I learn about it? Sure. But I have also hit lots of bumps with Windows. Linux is coming into its own, and I hope Mr. Mossberg revisits it real soon.