But because it's Linux -- and because Linux and open source are intertwined so tightly in the minds of many -- things get a little dicey when there's mention of closed source software being packaged with Ubuntu by default.
Take the recent survey they posted. It's a reasonable enough request - which apps would you like to see in Ubuntu which currently aren't available? Where the trouble arises is with the selections listed in the survey, apparently: Photoshop, iTunes, Skype, Hulu.
Oh god, no! What the hell are they thinking?!
I'll tell you what. They're thinking that Ubuntu needs those apps in order to appeal to a much broader group of people. Windows still owns the desktop computer market, and the lack of recognizable apps like iTunes keeps many people from even considering Linux as an alternative.
It's the truth, whether the Ubuntu community wants to admit it or not. I've tried to extol the virtues of Linux to plenty of retail customers and more than one has replied "can I run iTunes on it?" When I say no, their interest disappears completely.
Bringing apps like those mentioned would be a bold move by Canonical, but one that would indeed pay off in the long run.
[via webupd8]
Canonical causes a ruckus by asking which new apps users want on Ubuntu originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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