Windows Vista Aero Vs Linux Ununtu Beryl
Yesterday, I had been to my friend’s
house. I was surprised to see his computer which had both Windows Vista
and
Linux installed. I was little jealous of Linux which was installed in
his
computer, because I am a strict windows user and an admirer of windows
features. What made me to feel jealous was the new feature called as
Beryl, a
new desktop which Linux offers to its users which is similar to Windows
aero
which is a desktop feature in Windows Vista. Back home, I searched for
information on Beryl and decided to develop an article, which
differentiates
the features of both.
Just a beginning; About Aero:
Microsoft, after five years in exile,finally
released the new Windows Vista with new, rich set of features in it.
Among the
features, aero is an important feature, which brings more shine to
Windows
Vista. It certainly give the new look for Vista.
Aero is
a replacement for the theme Luna of Windows XP. Aero brings new
features such
as translucent windows, 3D look for Windows.
About Linux jaguar, the Beryl:
Side by side, the success of aero in
vista gave alarming signals to the developers of Linux. Therefore, the
developers of Linux also brought out UBuntu Beryl which is an OpenGL
accelerated desktop. Moreover, it is an open source free desktop meant
exclusively for Linux users. Beryl is a branch of Compiz project, which
was used by X-windows in Linux environment.
Windows aero appearance Vs. Linux Beryl
appearance, which is the best?
This could be the most difficult
question to be answered by experienced users of both the operating
systems. Vista users will like aero, where as Linux users like Beryl.
Both have got
fine appearance. But, if you take opinion of users who use both, Linux
will
emerge as a clear winner.
Features related to Windows Vista
Aero:
There are some interesting features in
Windows Aero theme environment. They are,
The windows are made semi transparent, which gives a see through effect for all
open windows.
The Windows Flip 3D effect (Win key+Tab) gives the windows user a unique
different experience, which, they have not experienced before.
The switch window (Alt+Tab), which causes switch over between open
applications, has changed a lot, which gives user the preview of
windows that are opened.
A new feature called as the Live Thumbnails, appears as soon as the mouse
hovered (mouse pointer moved) over the minimized programs in the task
bar panel.
Features that are related to Linux Beryl:
Using Scale effect, scale out all windows to get a thumbnail view of the desktop. One can move any window to any position on the screen. The scale effect enable user to preview live effects which are of live contents. This enables one to get the movies continue playing, websites getting
updated.
Just like the switcher in Windows Vista, the switcher in Linux provides
thumb nail view of the applications. This enables one to get an idea of
applications that are running. The enhanced switcher can be configured
in such a way that, the brightness can be adjusted in such a way that,
the brightness effect is dim.
The
desktop cube enables one to view different windows in a cube. The walls
of cube are fitted with all open windows. The cube rotates in 3D, which
gives the view of all open windows inside the cube. Optionally, the
cube can be given a transparent effect, which can be used to view what
is there on the other side of the cube. This effect works in some what
way now. It was planned actually for future release.
Window animation shows the special effects, when one maximizes, minimizes
window. This gives user a new feeling of window minimizing, maximizing
and closing. Beryl features ten different animations to choose from.
One can enjoy fade in and out effect or can enjoy other effects, such
as fume emerging out of Aladdin’s lamp. Beryl comes with animated
windows shading. One can choose from window
Real time effects can be applied to Linux window. The transparency,
brightness, and saturation of a window can be easily altered by
clicking its title bar and setting the values in the menu. The Gnome
terminal can make use of transparency. This means the Window behind it,
is made visible. Like the negative in film roll of camera, the colour
values of window can be inverted and is quite easier for view.
Zoom effect enables one to read small font sizes, which requires high
powered lenses to read. Beryl provides virtual telescope, thereby
enable one to get clarity in viewing the small characters.
There is a problem in transparency which causes high confusion for the
reader. The problem starts when reading the text, which resides over
another window text, which is kept at the background. Beryl has
provided solution to this particular problem by adding blur effect to
the window that is hiding in the background.
Beryl needs special window decorators for decorating window. This causes the
changes in look for windows in Linux environment. The title bar of
window appears in different color settings etc. This is equivalent to
appearance tab in the display options of windows vista. There are
basically three themes. They are Emerald, Heliodor and Aquamarine
themes.
Comparison, can we perform?
When one wants to compare, he or she first should keep in mind that, the operating systems are of different
nature. But, one can compare the operating system based on the number of features, sub features
contained in it. The comparison will not be entirely based on the
operating system, but, on the number of similar features, it contains. We can compare
features like Aero with Beryl and lots more.
Compare Aero with Beryl, which one is better?
The comparison march begins now, considering the Aero. As said above, almost all features of aero also
do exists in Beryl too. Windows transparency, Alt tab switchers are all among the features
which exist in Beryl and Aero. In Beryl there are cubical views of window, special
animated effect for functions on maximizing, minimizing and closing of
windows. But in aero, there is only Flip 3D option made available, which enables
viewing of all windows in the 3D environment. Aero brought out task bar preview
of applications, which emerges out, when the mouse hovers in and hides
when mouse gets moved out of the minimized applications, which is on the task bar.
Apart from these features, one gets more features in Beryl compared to Aero. Features like, giving blur
effect to background windows, zoom effects, special window decorators, etc. This certainly
makes good news for Beryl. There are provisions to make adjustments to the various
settings of entire environment, such as the brightness, color, blurriness, zoom
effects, settings includes almost all features of Linux Beryl.
If you are going for Beryl, you need to install Linux. One has to learn the basic fundamentals of Linux, if
you are already a windows user. The Windows users will face trauma of learning basic fundamentals again and over again. If you are new to computers then learn Linux with great joy.
Coming to pricing, the Windows Aero comes in Windows Vista, which is a paid product. Where as Linux is free
of cost operating system. One can get Beryl too for free of cost. That will be an advantage over Windows Vista.
Honestly speaking, Beryl edges out Aero, in terms of features it has. But, if you look from reliability
angle of view, makes world, a better place. The Internet surveys show that most computer users make use of Windows Platform than Linux Platform. As said above, it will be easier to install windows vista, in case of
the systems making use of other older version of Windows.
For those who used Linux before will find Beryl as a new feature added in their basket. The decision about who will emerge as a winner mainly lies with the new users. At the moment, it is the Linux with Beryl, looks to steel the hearts of computer users. But, due to the already gained popularity, vista will still continues dominate the market. It is as good as saying, old wine in new bottle! This will make vista still a number one choice for operating system installations. Let us see, what will happen next, will vista release an update patch that contains updates to Aero or
not? The answer is certainly remaining crossed over next couple of years to come.
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