Customized Linux show or innovation

Source: Internet
Author: User
Article title: customized Linux is still innovative. Linux is a technology channel of the IT lab in China. Includes basic categories such as desktop applications, Linux system management, kernel research, embedded systems, and open source.

In July, a customized Chinese version based on Ubuntu 9.04-the new oxygen Ubuntu version was released. Coincidentally, Yu linmufeng also launched his own custom open-source system in May-a customized Chinese version based on Fedora 11. later, in May, he launched a customized version based on the popular desktop release version Ubuntu. Another Linux Chinese customized version, the latest version of the pioneer Ubuntu, was also released in early August. It seems that one night, a strong Chinese customization style of Linux was on the way, which was just a little confusing. we had to think about this phenomenon. Chinese Linux customized edition and the Linux release we usually see, what are the differences between Ubuntu, Fedora, and openSUSE? Why are there so many customized Linux Chinese versions? Where is its way out? What role does it play in promoting the popularization of Linux in China ......

What is "Linux Chinese Custom Edition "?

Different from mainstream Linux releases, including Ubuntu, Fedora, and openSUSE, for international user groups, the Linux Chinese Custom Edition is intended for Chinese or Chinese users and the language is simplified Chinese. The source release version based on Linux Chinese edition is currently a popular Linux desktop release version, such as Ubuntu or Fedora. According to the supported architecture, the Linux Chinese edition is mainly a 32-bit system.

At present, the Linux Chinese customized version has been publicly released have the rain forest wood wind Ora customized version, rain forest wood wind Ubuntu customized version (http://www.ylmf.net/), new oxygen Ubuntu Chinese customized version (http://sites.google.com/site/xinyangubuntu) and the pioneer Ubuntu Chinese customized version (http://www.cdbeta.com ). Compared with mainstream Linux distributions, the Chinese custom edition features:

1. easier installation

The installation of Linux distributions has always been a major problem for new Linux users. Despite the great efforts made by major Linux distributions, the installation threshold for Linux distributions has been lowered, for example, a graphical installation wizard interface is provided to reduce the installation steps. However, it seems that the old Linux users are not very attractive to the original Windows users ......

Obviously, this gives Linux chinese version makers full play to their space. most of them follow their own understanding of Chinese user habits, some even combine their experience in making customized Windows versions (such as the Ora edition customized by Yu linmufeng) to simplify the installation process of Linux. All these customization work not only facilitates Chinese users, but also makes Linux installation more "stupid" and intelligent. Compared with the original release version, the Linux Chinese version is closer to Chinese users in terms of installation, which can greatly save users' time and effort.

2. more beautiful interfaces

Most of the interface styles of mainstream Linux distributions are quite satisfactory. they are intended for users all over the world and are unlikely to meet overly personalized requirements. However, customized Linux Chinese versions can break away from this problem, large to the splash screen, logon interface background, desktop background, and theme style during system startup. fonts and symbols in the system can be customized as needed. Linux Chinese Custom Edition can meet the personalized needs of users. in terms of the appearance of the interface, the pursuit of the slogan is: not the most beautiful, only more beautiful.

3. easy to use

Objectively speaking, the current mainstream Linux desktop distributions have made great improvements in usability, especially when the graphic application environment is relatively mature, this is especially true when appropriate system management tools emerge one after another. However, compared with the mainstream operating systems of Microsoft in China, users generally accept and accept the Windows operating mode, which is obviously beyond the mainstream Linux.

Linux Chinese custom edition has made great efforts in the ease of use of the system. it strives to reduce the complexity of the user's use of the system, provides graphical system optimization tools, and provides a variety of desktop environments and switching tools, some also provide software sources in China, which is undoubtedly very convenient for users who cannot access foreign websites.

4. pre-installed common Chinese software

In any case, Chinese people feel more cordial about Chinese software. For many reasons, some Chinese software cannot be added to some released software sources, while Linux Chinese edition can freely pre-install these popular or commonly used software, such as QQ For Linux and Ubuntu Tweak system configuration and optimization tools. Pre-installed software facilitates users, especially new Linux users. users do not have to spend a limited amount of energy to install software in unfamiliar systems. Secondly, most of these software are cross-platform software, this makes it easy for users who have just switched from Windows to Linux to operate these software. because the software interface is basically the same, it helps eliminate psychological fear and enhance self-confidence.

Why do producers like Linux Chinese Custom Edition now?

Customized Linux seems to have appeared in a group overnight. In fact, Linux has not been a real desktop user's computer for a long time, A major reason is that many operating habits of the original Linux version are very different from those of Windows, this makes it difficult for many users who are used to Windows operating systems. Although Linux operating systems such as Ubuntu, Mandriva, and Fedora are also optimizing their systems to bring their Linux products closer to Windows, but for most Chinese computer users, these are not thoroughly optimized, and the obstacles they encounter during use will remain.

Prior to this, underground organizations, such as rain, wood, depth, and Tomato Garden, were most engaged in Windows operating system optimization and customization. They have successfully optimized and integrated Windows to make the Windows operating environment more in line with the operation and usage habits of Chinese users. Thanks to the high satisfaction of users' needs and habits, these optimized and integrated Windows customized versions quickly become red, making it an underground industry.

However, Windows is always Microsoft's copyright product. as a result of a serious piracy problem, it finally caused a wide range of anti-piracy actions by Microsoft. The surging tomato garden author was arrested and pushed to the wave of public opinion and law. at that time, many underground Windows modification teams stopped or disbanded.

Due to Microsoft's great copyright, fans of customized OS modification can only give up modifying Windows operating systems and choose a system that does not involve legal issues. Linux is the best choice. It is the world's most well-known free and open source software that allows users to make any form of changes. after decades of development, it has a very good mass base, this is a helpless choice for operating system customization.

In addition to the legal issues facing copyright rights, many software enthusiasts also complain about Microsoft's dominant hegemony in Windows, while Linux has always been regarded as a benchmark for the anti-Windows camp, linux is also the best choice. After all, Linux has experienced many years of development, ensuring security and system stability. For these reasons, Linux has become the only choice for users who want to customize and modify operating systems.

With the successful launch of customized Linux in one studio, some studios that once made Windows custom products also see new hopes on Linux, in particular, large companies such as Google have begun to use new network business models to challenge the old Microsoft operating system, which makes these grassroots studios confident in the future profit prospects.

Of course, from the perspective of ordinary users, with the deepening of Microsoft's fight against piracy, users are still faced with the problem of temporary selection of pirated open-source software. At this time, if there is a free, simple, easy-to-use Chinese Linux operating system that is suitable for domestic users, it will undoubtedly be quite attractive to some users who only have business needs.

Public comments on Linux Chinese Custom Edition

In July, when Yu linmufeng first launched an open-source dinner-a Linux-based Ora-based customized edition, the online debate on the Linux Chinese edition was fierce, with both a voice of favor and opposition. Linux beginners

In favor and welcome attitude, the mentality is somewhat complicated for users familiar with Linux, but there are not a few who disagree.

Those who are in favor believe that: Yu Linmu gave up piracy and turned to open-source custom products. this kind of "from Good" Behavior is worthy of recognition. Compared with mainstream Linux releases, Linux chinese version makers understand the needs of Chinese users and serve Chinese users in a convenient way. However, Yu Linmu, who has successful Windows customization experience, will certainly improve the ease of use of Linux and lower the entry threshold of Linux if he can apply the customization system experience to the customized Linux release version, attract more users to install and use Linux. Those who hold the opposite opinion believe that one of the most popular and popular reasons for Linux is its flexibility, that is, it can be freely customized according to user needs, users also have the greatest pleasure in customizing Linux. Yu Linmu Feng launched a nondescribable Linux Chinese customized version to attract everyone's attention. Compared with mainstream Linux publishers in the world, Chinese Custom Edition producers cannot guarantee the development of Linux Chinese Custom Edition in terms of both technical strength and capital. Therefore, the so-called Linux chinese version customization is just a flicker of users who do not understand Linux.

Aside from these disputes, let's take a look at the popularity of Linux Chinese Custom Edition?

If we visit official or unofficial forums of customized Linux Chinese versions (both Yulin Mufeng and pioneer have an official forum, new oxygen will be provided by enthusiastic netizens for unofficial forums ), the popularity of the forum shows their popularity. In addition, on Baidu or Google's search website, enter keywords for Linux Chinese custom edition, such as "Yulin Mufeng Linux ", the popularity of the Linux Chinese custom edition can be inferred from the number of related pages found. If you enter the keyword above, Baidu has nearly 50 thousand related pages, while Google has 0.37 million related pages. From this search result, we can see that two customized Chinese versions launched by Yu linmufeng are indeed eye-catching.

How does Linux Custom Edition or Linux become more popular in China?

For the vast majority of Chinese users, it seems that they still cannot get rid of the dependency on Windows. at least in a short time, most domestic users still rely heavily on the usage habits developed by Windows over the years, however, the emergence of customized Linux still opens a new direction for the majority of users.

Especially with the rapid development of cloud computing and online software, operating systems and software are no longer a barrier to user. Currently, Linux is still a long way away from some users at the lowest end of the tower. However, when the customized version of Windows was launched, such as tomato garden, depth, and Rain Forest and Wood wind, microsoft has not taken any measures to prevent the spread of these versions. However, the Chinese custom version is based on its pre-installed and custom capabilities (Windows custom versions are indeed easier to install and use for common users ), the attack soon took place, and Microsoft immediately cracked down on the bad news. This also makes people have to think that Linux Chinese customized version will promote the faster popularization of Linux in China?

Of course, Linux and Windows are different. the success story of Windows customized edition is not necessarily applicable to Linux Chinese edition. However, Linux Chinese edition further simplifies the installation of Linux and continuously enhances the ease of use of Linux, from the perspective of no potential legal risks, we have no reason to look down on the future of Linux chinese version customization. at least there is no reason not to look at its positive side.

However, Linux chinese version customization will continue to develop healthily and will still face many difficulties. For example, Linux Chinese Custom Edition has a low degree of culture, not many Chinese software are available, and producers are relatively weak. Linux Chinese custom edition will still be subject to copyright restrictions when customizing open-source software; linux Chinese custom edition has no mature profit model yet. To solve these problems, Linux customized Chinese edition will have a better future.

Fundamentally speaking, users can accept open-source systems, receive Linux systems, and reduce or reduce their reliance on Windows systems. However, the fire of the stars is just like Google's upcoming WebOS (based on Linux kernel) it may change Microsoft's position in the post-desktop era. Why can't customized Linux Chinese versions build their own products? If we say that the Linux Chinese edition allows more users to understand and use open-source products and product evaluation innovation, it is a Chinese customization style in the Chinese software industry in China, let's make this wind more intense! (Click to view the original text/source link)

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