T.J. Prebil

Microsoft Desktop App Store?

I’ve been using the latest version of Ubuntu (10.04) for the past few months while working on a new project. Like transitioning from Microsoft’s Windows to Apple’s OS X, there is a slight learning curve but, overall, I’ve been impressed with the operating system, especially considering its open source, Linux-based, and complete free to install and distribute.

In fact, I migrated my parents to Ubuntu and not only have they adjusted (both are 64 years old) but they have also realized better performance from an otherwise outdated machine formally running Windows.

Anyway, one of the features that I’ve been most impressed with is Ubuntu’s Software Center. The basic operating system installs a suite of applications (e.g. Firefox, Open Office and Evolution etc.) and the Software Center provides quick access to an additional 29,000+ applications, all of which are free. So, for instance, if an Ubuntu user needs accounting software, a screen capture program, a scanning application, or new font types, all she has to do is visit the Software Center, conduct a keyword search, select install, and viola, the program is installed.

Ubuntu’s Software Center makes downloading and installing applications a breeze. There’s no need to select a folder path, enter a license key, or reboot your computer.

Canonical – Ubuntu’s commercial parent company – is following the “app store” trend we’ve seen in the mobile and media markets for the past few years. Today, almost every multi-functional mobile device – iPhone, iPad, Android phones, Blackberry, and Kindle – uses some kind of app center or store.

Now Microsoft has already created a marketplace for compatible mobile devices but I wonder if a desktop app store is inevitable. Such a solution would ease a lot of headaches for users by streamlining the download and installation of software applications.

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