Ubuntu Axes OpenOffice From Netbook Edition 10.04
- 2 Comment
Ubuntu Netbook Edition probably is the best shot for a layman’s attempt at Linux on a netbook. Surprisingly, Ubuntu now appears to be making strange software decisions left and right. Canonical has announced that UNE 10.04 will not come with OpenOffice, long deemed the open-source Microsoft Office challenger, and will change the default office service to Google Docs.
Now, while the premise and case for Web 3.0 and Cloud Computing seems strong, Google Docs has oft been criticized as an incomplete suite, with limited functionality at best. It does not have the same richness which makes OpenOffice at least comparable to Microsoft Office. Also, this decision comes in stark contrast to Canonical’s move to ditch Google as the primary search engine for Firefox.
Other software changes include the fact that Gimp has been removed from Ubuntu Desktop 10.04 and graphics programs in general from UNE, Tomboy Notes removed from UNE, and gbrainy (a brain teaser game) has been added. While it’s understood that developers are trying to optimize application selection for netbook users, they run the risk of alienating Linux newcomers by limiting their options.
Via Slashdot.
2 Comments on this post
Trackbacks
-
Mojo said:
I see the logic, especially for Linux noobs.
OOo might not be familiar to them, or they might not be familiar with LX installation packages and practices. They already know Google Docs, and while its feature set is still rather lightweight, it’s growing and there are a bazillion templates.
GIMP, God love it, is wonderfully capable but has always had a god-awful UI. Online alternatives like Pixlr and Photoshop.com are less comprehensive, but surprisingly good for basic tasks.
The “regular” Ubuntu has a well-deserved fan base and will keep it, but its appeal to those who have only know Windows remains limited. Taking a near-Chrome OS approach in simplicity can work, even if its capabilities are more limited. A lot of people have for years been using their PCs as nothing more than Web appliances anyway, and the number and quality of online services gets larger all the time.
February 9th, 2010 at 9:12 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Billy Bonkoski and NetbookNerd, Chome OS News. Chome OS News said: Ubuntu Axes OpenOffice From <b>Netbook</b> Edition 10.04 http://goo.gl/fb/Cq7r [...]