1. © 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

2. Computing Alternatives
Technology in Action
Technology in Focus:
Computing Alternatives
This Technology in Focus feature explores software and hardware alternatives to Microsoft products.
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

3. Application Software Alternatives
Open-source software
Freely distributed
Contains the source code (the actual lines of instructional code that make the program work)
Can be distributed to others
Commercial (proprietary) software is developed by corporations such as Microsoft to be sold for a profit.
Open-source software is freely distributed, contains the source code, and can in turn be distributed to others. Therefore, you can download open-source software for free from various Web sites, install it on as many computers as you wish, and redistribute it to anyone you wish (as long as you don’t charge for distributing it).
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

4. Productivity Software Alternatives
OpenOffice
Comparable to MS Office
Writer is like MS Word
Calc is like MS Excel
Impress is like MS PowerPoint
Draw is a graphics program
Math is an equation editor
Base is a database program like Access
Allows you to open files created in Office applications
Documents created with OpenOffice can be opened by other programs
OpenOffice is a free suite of productivity software programs that provides similar functionality to Microsoft Office.
Versions of OpenOffice are available for a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. You can download the installation file you’ll need to run OpenOffice at
The main components of OpenOffice are word processor (Writer), spreadsheet (Calc), and presentation (Impress) programs that provide similar functionality to the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications you’re familiar with in Microsoft Office.
The great thing about OpenOffice is that it allows you to open files created in Microsoft Office applications. Also, documents created with OpenOffice can be opened by other software programs.
OpenOffice 2.2 also includes three additional programs in the suite. Draw provides the typical tools to communicate with graphics and diagrams, Math which allows you to create equations and formulas for your documents, and Base which allows you to create and manipulate database tables with ease.
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

5. Database Software Alternatives
Part of OpenOffice
MySQL
Comparable to SQL Server and Oracle Database 10g
Many books and online tutorials are available
OpenOffice 2.2 contains a simple database product called Base similar to Microsoft Access.
However, if you’re interested in getting your hands on a free high-end SQL database application, the most popular open-source alternative is MySQL.
Sporting many of the features contained in SQL Server and Oracle Database 10g, MySQL is a powerful database program you can use to develop serious database applications. Although more difficult to learn and use than Microsoft Access, many books and online tutorials are available to help you get MySQL up and running.
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

6. E-mail Client Alternatives
Eudora
Popular client
Free, but feature-limited version
Mozilla Thunderbird
Open-source client
Add-ons available:
Calendar
Calculator
Search tools
Eudora is a popular client that is available in a free but feature-limited version.
Mozilla Thunderbird is an open-source client, and in its basic form, only manages . But there are plenty of add-ons available from the Mozilla Web site, including a calendar, a calculator, and search tools. Thunderbird can run on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS platforms.
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

7. Drawing Software Alternatives
OpenOffice Draw
DIA
Comparable to MS Visio
Allows you to create diagrams, graphs, and charts
OpenOffice includes a program called Draw that allows you to create simple graphs, charts, and diagrams.
Another option is Dia, a free program that allows you to create diagrams and charts. You can download a Windows-compatible version of Dia from as well as tutorials to get you up and running.
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

8. Web Page Authoring Software Alternatives
NVU
Comparable to Adobe Dreamweaver
Don’t need to know HTML to generate a Web page
Although Microsoft Word and OpenOffice Writer can save documents as HTML files, sometimes you need a more versatile tool for creating Web pages, especially for larger sites with many linked pages.
NVU (pronounced N-view) is a free open-source alternative to Adobe Dreamweaver. In addition to being available for Windows, NVU also has versions that run on Mac OS X and Linux.
Another great thing about NVU is that you don’t need to know HTML to generate a Web page: NVU generates the HTML code for you.
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

9. Image-Editing Software Alternatives
GIMP
Comparable to Adobe PhotoShop
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and UNIX versions available
GIMP (short for GNU Image Manipulation Program) is an image-editing program that is almost as powerful as Photoshop.
It is currently available for users running Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, or UNIX, and many good tutorials are deployed at to get you up to speed.
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

10. Operating System Alternatives
Linux
Linux versions called “distros”
KNOPPIX and PC Linux run from a CD so do not replace your current OS
Other distros install Linux permanently
Linux was designed for the Intel processor and gains popularity each day. It is less vulnerable to virus and hacker attacks, and many argue it is a more stable platform than Windows.
Linux is available for download in various packages known as distributions, or “distros.” Distros include the underlying Linux “kernel” (the code that provides Linux’s basic functionality) and related programs. Distros also often contain special modifications or additional open-source software (such as OpenOffice).
To try Linux without actually loading it, KNOPPIX and PC Linux can be booted from a CD without upsetting the Windows OS on the hard drive.
If you want to install Linux permanently, Mandriva Linux is a good choice as it features one of the most fully automated installation procedures of all the Linux distros.
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

11. Operating System Alternatives
3D Linux: Mandriva Linux
3D desktop environment
Includes open-source software
Includes security features
Mandriva Linux offers several versions of its operating system. Free Mandriva is their most basic product, and as its name suggests, it is free and remains true to the original open source principles.
The Mandriva operating system has an innovative 3D desktop environment.
The Mandriva operating system also includes other open-source applications, such as OpenOffice, Mozilla Firefox browser, Mozilla Thunderbird manager, and Wengo (a VoIP application),. In addition, there are several multimedia programs, including Blender (for creating interactive 3D games), and others used to create photo albums and digital music.
The OS divides security levels into five rankings, from “Very Low” to “Paranoid.” Your choice depends on how you’re using the system (select “Paranoid” if you’re running business transactions through your computer). You also can set up a simple-to-configure firewall called Shorewall to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing your personal network.
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

12. Hardware Alternatives
Apple
Mac OS X
Intel platform
Open-source software for Macs
Special software lets you run Windows-based software on a Mac
Since the late seventies Apple has brought first rate products to market, often leading into new technologies. Apple users are very loyal and claim that these machines display superior performance. The latest Apple operating system, Mac OS X, has been configured to run on an Intel processor, a real departure from the past.
Aside from being stable, security and safety are great reasons to switch to Mac OS X. OS X doesn’t seem to suffer from the exploitation of security flaws as much as Windows does.
If you don’t want to have to buy all new software for your Mac, many open-source packages are available.
If you really need to run your Windows-based software on your Mac, various software products such as Guest PC and iEmulator allow you to install Windows on your Mac and run Windows applications.
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

13. Hardware Alternatives: Do It Yourself
Processor
Video card
Hard Drive
Power Supply
Sound card
If you’re tech savvy, you can also build your own computer. Of course, building a computer isn’t for everyone, but for those who enjoy working with their hands and don’t mind doing some up-front research, it can be a rewarding experience.
Many Web sites can provide guidance for building your own computer and you’ll find plenty of online help and advice.
To start, you need a list of parts. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
1) A Case:
2) A Power Supply
3) A Processor (CPU)
4) A Motherboard
5) RAM
6) Video Card
7) Sound Card
8) Optical Drives
9) USB Ports
10) Hard Drive
11) Modem
12) Network Interface Card
13) Keyboard, mouse, or other pointing device
Monitor
Operating system software
Case
RAM
Motherboard
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

14. Hardware Alternatives: Do It Yourself
Advantages
Exact configuration desired
Choice of quality components
Satisfaction
Disadvantages
No technical support if there is a problem
Multiple considerations in matching components
Often more expensive
This slide lists the pros and cons of building a computer yourself.
Two types of users should consider building their own machine. Those who have a particular configuration in mind, with carefully chosen components will be willing to pay the price for this customization. The other type are hobbyists, those who just like to put things together and know how things work. For the rest, relying on the factory experts and enjoying the competitive pricing is the better choice.
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.