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Tristan Gaebler
6,204 PointsQuestions about Linux
Is linux good for a web designer? I currently have a macbook pro 13' 2011. Would Linux run on my system? What are the advantages? What are the pitfalls? Is linux hard to learn? Can I still create iphone apps for linux? What should I know before switching? Will I still have os x? Thanks for the help!!!
5 Answers
chrisp
13,686 PointsLinux comes in various types of 'distro' and has many open source software that can be use for web design and dev. It really depends on the types of work you do. It works great for front-end and back-end development. There are quite a open source wire framing software that can be use for design. You might have to put some time aside to learn how linux operates and some softwares. It can be a little hard at first.
Various linux distro should be able to run on your macbook if you are using an intel base processor (core duo, core duo 2, i-generation). You can dual boot with linux and Mac OS X and have 2 system running natively.
A recommended way, would be using virtualization (parallel, VMware, virtual box). That allows you to run linux within your Mac OS X system; without the need to reformat or partition your hard drive. Virtualbox is a free virtualization software that can run most linux distro. If it doesn't fit your taste, you can simply delete it and your mac os x will stay the way it is.
Some pro's would be: Open source software, great performance, customizable and flexible, security, multitasking, plenty of distro flavors. and works very efficiently if you know your terminal commands, optimize task with bash scripting.
Some con's would be a bit of learning curve, not support by popular software like Adobe, Apple software, etc.., can be a little challenging with minimal familiarity of terminal commands, various distro can have hardware compatibility issue and would require research to get it working.
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 PointsIs this what your talking about... https://help.ubuntu.com/community/VirtualBox
chrisp
13,686 PointsIn a way 'yes' if you are using Ubuntu linux. I believe you are currently using a Mac? Here's a download link for Mac and a set up guide.
Download => https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads Guide => http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/07/how-to-set-up-ubuntu-linux-on-a-mac-its-easy-and-free/
mikescs
5,018 PointsLinux distro would not bring anything more beneficial than your current setup. Avoid it if you have a mac.
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 PointsWhy avoid it?
mikescs
5,018 PointsIt has many issues with the fact that it is being "free" . It requires a user to put some effort in maintaining and configuring it. With Mac you can just focus on developing the application instead of playing with your OS.
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 PointsWhat are the advantages to Linux as a developer? What version of linux to you recommend?