The Fight for Your (Thin) Desktop

For a while now I've felt that the Linux desktop isn't just "as good as" Windows / Mac OS; it's better.  But is such an issue even relevant, as everything goes to the cloud?  Yes - here's why.

I do pretty much everything through a web browser these days.  My current favorite is Google Chrome, because it's fast, has a nice selection of add-ons, will synchronize on every single computer, and integrates with all the other Google services I already use.  It recently started doing desktop popup notifications that mimic what my computer already does, for "online apps" like my email and calendar.  It's awesome, but it's not actually integrated with my desktop.

Why does that matter?  Well, my desktop has special menus with controls for things like messages and music.  I can quickly search for commands in any application (rather than wander through the menu bar).  I get pop-up notifications when I receive a new message.  Those are nice if you're using desktop apps like Thunderbird or even Spotify, but don't integrate with web apps (ie. through a web browser).

Until now.

Here's what I mean:

Not only that, but it works with pretty much every online app you're already using.  Cool, right?

I've noticed a growing acceptance of Linux among my friends.  This isn't just for nerds any more, it's for regular people who want something better than Windows and don't like/can't afford Mac.  I've got a growing list of friends and family who have used / are using Linux, including both my mother and mother-in-law.  If they can do it, then so can you.

Why does any of this matter?  I'm a fan of Linux because it's good for you, just like organic food.  I've benefited from it, and I want to share the love.  This is just one more awesome thing that Linux gives you, that nobody else does.  Linux isn't just "as good as" Windows or Mac; it's better.

J<

(For more info: http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2012/07/ubuntu-unveil-new-web-apps-feature-for-12-10)