Saturday, October 13, 2007

Why Nero on Linux?

As you may know, Technalign markets and works with the Windows community and we also work with the Linux communities via releases such as Pioneer Explorer. When we review communities there are different means in which a company or group of individuals release products such as MEPIS and others geared towards a specific, or targeted group, of people. Each release is imperative to a group of individuals and provides different functions and tasks aimed to the target audience. That's actually the beauty of Linux! For example, Automatix provides solutions to users in the Debian, K/Ubuntu, and MEPIS communities. It's really a needed product regardless of attacks from the developers in those communities.

When Technalign supported Automatix, it was apparent that many of the developers of the other communities have not provided the needed input to Automatix developers and then tore into them instead of offering assistance (see my previous blog entry). When LinSpire, as another example, came out with CNR (Click and Run) the same communities attacked LinSpire and FreeSpire for working with Microsoft as the enemy. When you look at companies or communities attempting to provide a service or product that meets the needs of any group of people you really need to understand what they are doing and why. When LinSpire works with Microsoft, it helps users have a better experience with products they use.

Technalign looks for solutions that meet the needs of companies and consumers to help fill the gap between a transition from Windows. Nero fills the gap with a tool 80% of the Windows users today are familiar with and use. One of the things that assists any user is a familiarity of a product or known commodity. Providing users an easy path to Linux is not a simple task since people have been using the Windows Operating Systems for many many years. This is one reason we've incorporated a “Programs Folder” with our product instead of Automatix or another tool at this time. Since we are now working with more Windows users, our demographic is different than, lets say MEPIS or PCLiunxOS.

I've already received emails and complaints that we are now working with companies that hurt Linux after Technalign placed Nero on our pages only 1 day ago. I still don't understand how providing a utility that assists any user transitioning from Windows and fits a demand is a problem? It's just like asking how can Automatix that fits the needs of millions of people hurting a distribution? When a product such as Automatix meets the needs and fills a gap that assists a community, the communities should work together. I understand that Automatix caused some system problems, but why aren't the community members helping them instead of attacking them? In the case of Nero, K3b is a great application, but now Linux users and Windows users transitioning have the same Blue Laser technology on the Linux platforms and a utility they know how to use on Linux.

Bringing more and more applications that are running on Windows does assist users in the transition from Windows to Linux, either in business or the consumer areas. The more the better, and I believe that when more Windows applications and utility companies start moving more applications, we'll start to see more individuals and companies moving from Windows to Linux. Isn't that the goal; to assist any user from any community coming to Linux with some Linux variant?

2 comments:

AnixasObscura said...

I personally use Windows XP and various versions of Linux. Last night I attempted to upgrade my Ubuntu to the new 7.10 install when I had multiple problems with that, I decided to search for a different flavor of linux, at which point I discovered Pioneer. I tested the Live CD and then immediately installed it - I had one kde bug that had to do with the large default wallpaper in Pioneer Basic - aside from that I have had no other issues - this is a very nice linux distribution and it will now be my main operating system. As far as the Nero issue - I think the real issue is games. Most of my Windows using friends - will only switch to Linux when they can play their windows games on linux without purchasing something additional such as crossover - some of them attempt using Wine but then immediately switch back to Windows when only 1 or 2 games end up working. Nero is a nice burning application and it is my burning program of choice when in Windows - in Linux I normally using K3B and have had no problems with it.

Dianne said...

Michael,

I am happy to hear you discovered us and like our application. For those running games, I would recommend that you have your friend become part of the Electricity beta group.It's our new Wine replacement for Crossover from Codeweavers.

I am late in doing a blog on it, but they can have input when we're working on it!

Thanks again for your comment!