We all heard about Linux OS. There are a lot of myths about it, not very many people are using it (all Linux freaks won’t agree with me on this – but let’s face the truth – the Linux users are niche community). In this short article I would like to show you what’s Linux is all about, and moreover – is it a good tool for webdesiger?
If you’re familiar with Linux you can stop reading now – since I won’t discover anything new for you ;).
First thing – Linux comes in distribiutions – and each “distro” can be very different from the other. All my experience with Linux comes from Ubuntu – I belive it’s the easiest and the simplest operating system I’ve seen (well – maybe Mac’s OSX is a litter easier to use and look nicer – but Ubuntu isn’t far behind).
So – let’s see how good is Ubuntu for webdesigners.

Pros

1. The most obvious and probably the biggest advantage is that Ubuntu (all all other software mentioned here) is FREE. It means you can legally use it without paying a penny. And you’ll have all future updates for free as well. If you look at some prices of Windows software for designers (and Windows itself) and multiply it by couple of workstation (like in our office) – you can really save A LOT of money.
2. Ubuntu is secure. You don’t have to worry about viruses, trojans, dialers, hackers and other nasty traps that awaits in the internet. Pure pleasure – you can focus on work without being distracted by virus scanner popups or you don’t have to worry about somebody stealing your data.
3. Ubuntu is also very easy to configure (there’s a myth that Linux is hard to configure and used only by tech geeks – that totally untrue. Ubuntu is much easier than Windows). And there’s huge community of users that will help you when you’ll be in trouble.
4. Visual design. It’s important that your workspace would inspire you and boost creativity. While using Ubuntu you can forget about clumsy, ugly Windows buttons&fonts. Interface is very appealing – and beside that you can turn on some cool 3d effects.

Cons

1. There’re no Adobe software for Linux. You have some other open source solutions that has more or less the same features – but there are slight differences in interface, work process or capabilities. The most important question is if you’re ready to accept those differences and get used to new software. Let’s take a closer look what Ubuntu can offer

Software for Webdesigners

  • Graphic design – the most popular graphic design tool in Ubuntu is GIMP. You can check what is possible with GIMP here
  • Vector design – there’re several options here – I’ve picked Inkscape. Again – let the Inkscape speak for itself. Created with Inkscape Gallery
  • 3D design Blender is a powerful 3d software – just look what you can do with it.
  • Code editors – you have tons of editors to wrote html and css code on linux. The one especially worth trying is Quanta Plus.If you would like to get to know these programs little better – here’s more detailed description

Conclusion

I think that it’s worth trying to do your webdesign on Ubuntu. You can save a lot of money by making your work easier.You can always go back to old Windows (or mac off course), and besides – the word “creativity” doesn’t mean “I owe Photoshop”.
About the author
I am Robert Podgorski and I run a small webdesign studio BlackMoon Development. Apart from being “the Boss” I’m also a webdesigner, flash developer and cartoonist.