[Cialug] What open-source with consumer UIs top commercial options?

[Matthew Nuzum]

On Fri, Dec 5, 2014 at 1:08 PM, Rob Cook <rdjcook at gmail.com> wrote:

> I setup a HTPC, dual tuner (have the cards would sell) based on -- yes yes,
> say what you will but it worked fine -- Windows Media Center. For as well
> as it worked, and I do still use it as the front end for Plex (long story
> but running Plex as an add in to Media Center works better for remote
> control compatibility), I switch to the TiVo, at first because I got it on
> Craigslist for $40 and then because it was sooooo much easier to use and
> worked even better than a homebrew HTPC.
>
>
There is no doubt in my mind that open-source software makes the best
plumbing around. Web servers, database, DNS, e-mail, even router - many or
even most of the best are built on open source software.

However, when you start to look at apps that have a great user interface,
particularly a great consumer oriented interface, there are few examples of
open-source tools that stand out for their excellence.

There are some! I think Ubuntu is beautiful and easy to use. XBMC is also a
stand-out example in the media space. Inkscape is good but I haven't seen
much change with that product in recent times and it's starting to feel
dated. Wordpress is also renowned for it's easy of use. What other examples
of great user-experience are there?

Do you think commercial tools are more likely to have a good user
experience than open source, and if so, why?

-- 
Matthew Nuzum
newz2000 on freenode, skype, linkedin and twitter

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