Ubuntu Dumps GIMP, Will Include F-Spot in Lucid Lynx
In a surprise move Canonical, the parent company of Ubuntu, has decided to dump the opensource image editor and Photoshop Alternative GIMP from the core install of the OS. Ubuntu gave a reason which roughly meant that, since Windows does not have a advanced image editor, Ubuntu does not have to sport one too.
The new changes will affect the next release of Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx. Ubuntu would however include a basic image manipulation tool called F-Spot.
This decision is likely to create a controversy among several Ubuntu users. What do you think of this decision to skip GIMP in Lucid Lynx? Though Lucid Lynx is scheduled for next year, you can download Lucid Lynx ISO to try it out right away.
[via Ars Technica]
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I can understand this decision. Gimp is seldom used by non-enthusiasts. Most users just need to zoom, crop, remove red-eye and other basic non layering functions. Somebody that would really benefit from the Gimp are likely to seek it out and install via Synaptic on their own.
I don't have a problem with them removing it or any other package most have come to expect, but they could include some kind of click-able toolbar or something like the window that opens with a new install of Linux Mint, with links to download Gimp or whatever other package you remove should users want it.
I don't buy this nonsense that because Windows doesn't Linux shouldn't. Windows doesn't have issues with video, are you going to finally fix it in Linux? So far, "flicker" is still bad in Linux.
If you want to lighten the bundle, fine. But don't hide it from new Linux heads. Enhance the experience, don't start putting limits on it like Apple does, then tell us "it's magical." We don't roll like that.
Nobody has said whether it will still be on synaptic's list of installable programs. If it is, then, it won't be a problem. If not, then, I am against it. Why would Canonical want to emulate Microsoft. Aren't they supposed to make a better product. Are they actually going to dumb it down? I suppose that it will still be in Ubuntu Studio. Or should I make such a supposition?
Chances are Ubuntu doesn't see a need to pre-install The GIMP, because not everybody uses it. The Software Center allows for quick and painless installation of The GIMP for those who need it. It's one minor step considering you have to install a ton of other stuff on a fresh install anyway.
Hardware vendors have been taking Linux/etc more seriously in the last couple of years, but it still has a long way to go. If Linux is going to evolve, it needs more support from the masses, especially the simple users. I only hope Ubuntu doesn't become another RedHat or SuSE.