Google's Linux workstations are switching from Ubuntu to Debian

Like many companies, Google uses a variety of operating systems in-house. macOS and Windows are used by a large number of employees, a modified build of Debian Linux is used on its servers (as of 2014, at least), and Chrome OS and Android devices are commonplace. In work environments where Linux is needed, Google uses a customized version of Ubuntu 14.04 called 'Goobuntu,' which has never been released publicly.
At DebConf in August 2017 (the news didn't catch media attention until now), Google announced that it would switch from Goobuntu to a Debian-based distribution called 'gLinux.' It's based on the upcoming Debian 10 release, and the company has developed a tool for migrating systems from Goobuntu to gLinux.





Google's shift in its preferred Linux distribution is important for two reasons. Firstly, Google will now contribute to the Debian Project instead of Ubuntu, which benefits anyone wanting to use Debian on their own computers. Secondly, Canonical (the company behind Ubuntu) is likely losing one of its largest customers, but it hasn't disclosed details about lost revenue.
gLinux will probably never see a public release, like its predecessor Goobuntu, but it's still interesting to see what the world's top companies use internally.

Source: https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/01/19/googles-linux-workstations-switching-ubuntu-debian/

FreeOffice 2018 for Linux Released with “Complete Support” For Microsoft Office Files

SoftMaker FreeOffice 2018 is now available to download for Windows and Linux.

Developed by Germany-based software company SoftMaker, the office suite is both free to download and free to use — so if you’re on the hunt for a free Microsoft Office alternative for Linux you’ll almost certainly want to check it out.

FreeOffice 2018

The new release boasts “complete support” for modern Microsoft office file formats, both opening, editing and saving, as well as continued support older Microsoft Office file formats and the .ODF file formats used in LibreOffice. PDF and EPUB export also features.

FreeOffice 2018 introduces a Microsoft Ribbon UI to compliment the more traditional menu bar UI.

If all of that sounds a little familiar it’s because the app is a free version of the paid-for ‘SoftMaker Office‘ which saw a new release on Linux back in February.

Now, it’s not exactly clear what the differences are between the paid version and the free version. Both have the the same core apps, both offer the option of Microsoft Ribbon UI or traditional menu bar UI, and both support opening, editing, and saving in Microsoft Office file formats like .docx.

“In our view, the new interface and the improved compatibility with Microsoft Office make FreeOffice 2018 a must-have for 2018,” says Martin Kotulla, CEO of SoftMaker.

“If you are looking for a no-cost office package, there is no way around FreeOffice 2018.”

Download FreeOffice 2018

FreeOffice is free to use but does require a (valid) email address to download. But, once you clear that hurdle, you get access to native installers for Ubuntu and Fedora as well as, should you want it, Windows too.

To learn more, or to sign-up and download, head over to the official website:

Download FreeOffice 2018

Source: https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2018/05/softmaker-freeoffice-2018-download