Application support for java developers in linux
One of the things I hear often from someone wanting to try linux and leave windows is that they are afraid that they will no longer be able perform some of the things they used to do. That is so wrong. Be it from the perspective of a developer or a casual user linux offers a wide range of apps to suit your needs. Here is a table of things I used to do in windows that I can still do in linux
| Application | Windows | Suse Linux – KDE desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Chat | Gtalk, Skype | Kopete / pidgin for gtalk
Skype is supported |
| Development | Eclipse / myeclipse / Netbeans | All of them have linux flavours |
| Screenshot | Gadwin printscreen | Ksnapshot |
| Browsing | Chrome / Firefox / Opera | They are all supported. Chrome support is getting better |
| SQL Client | Squirrel SQL | Supported. Java runs anywhere  |
| Application server | Tomcat / Glassfish | Supported |
| Web server | Apache | Supported |
| Video player | DivX , VLC | VLC is supported |
| Package management | None | Yast,yum, apt etc etc |
| Firewall | Inbuilt / Zone alarm | IP Tables. Much more flexible |
| Database | Postgres | Supported |
| Desktop customization | Not bad | Amazing. You can add widgets, multiple panels etc etc |
| Multiple desktop support | No | Yes |
| Dual screen / Nvidia drivers | Yes | Yes |
| Remote desktop | Windows / VNC | Supported |
| Windows applications | Yes (Duh) | Simulate with WINE |
| Office | Windows office | Open office. Not great but ok. You can use an online office suite if needed. |
| Application | Windows | Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Chat | Gtalk, Skype | Kopete / pidgin for gtalk
Skype is supported |
| Development | Eclipse / myeclipse / Netbeans | All of them have linux flavours |
| Screenshot | Gadwin printscreen | Ksnapshot |
| Browsing | Chrome / Firefox / Opera | They are all supported. Chrome support is getting better |
| SQL Client | Squirrel SQL | Supported. Java runs anywhere |
| Application server | Tomcat / Glassfish | Supported |
| Web server | Apache | Supported |
| Video player | DivX , VLC | VLC is supported |
| Package management | None | Yast,yum, apt etc etc |
| Firewall | Inbuilt / Zone alarm | IP Tables. Much more flexible |
| Database | Postgres | Supported |
| Desktop customization | Not bad | Amazing. You can add widgets, multiple panels etc etc |
The list above is just a sample of the applications I use. I am sure there are more use cases.