Tech Talk:
Open Source Software
for the
Home Computer
Nathan Hall
UNT Libraries
Information Technology Services
IMAGE EDITING:
Comparing
Photoshop with Gimp
GIMP BACKGROUND
GNU ("ɡnu) Image Manipulation Program
Available for Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux
Originally developed by students at UC Berkeley.
Currently maintained by the GNOME Project
Often compared to / reviewed against Photoshop
DISCLAIMER
Gimp screenshots in this presentation were created with the
Mac iteration of Gimp.
Photoshop screenshots were created with Adobe PS CS3
running on Windows Vista.
Some differences in interface design might be due to
comparing software on two different operating systems.
Workspace
TOOL PALLET
Many of the tools in the Gimp pallet are similar to Photoshop's.
Photoshop
Gimp
CROP TOOL
CURVES TOOL
Photoshop
Gimp
CONTROLLING HUE AND
SATURATION
Gimp
Photoshop
IMAGE MENU
Photoshop
Gimp
LAYER MENU
Gimp
Photoshop
TOOLS MENU
Gimp only, but analogous to the Adjustments submenu in Photoshop.
FILTERS MENU
Gimp
Photoshop
write your
own plug ins
VIEW MENU
Gimp
Photoshop
WINDOWS MENU
Photoshop
Gimp
BUG!!!
GIMP ADVANTAGES
1. Cost
2. Familiar environment for Photoshop users
3. Familiar functionality for Photoshop users
CRITICISM
Gimp's interface:
-too many windows / dialog boxes
-boxes can get stuck behind other open applications.
Gimp's functionality:
-no CMYK
-no color management (e.g. ICC)
-lacks support for RAW images
GIMP IS RIGHT FOR YOU IF...
...you answer "yes" to any of the following questions.
You want more functionality than what comes with Photoshop Elements
Do you want to learn and practice basic/intermediate image editing techniques
at home without paying for Photoshop CS[#]?
Are you a casual user?
Are you interested in open source software development?
Are you a law abiding cheapskate in general?
GIMP IS WRONG FOR YOU IF...
...You answer "yes" to any of the following questions.
Are you an imaging/graphics professional?
AND do you NOT want to tinker with software
Do you wish to be?
AND can you afford the Photoshop license?
Word Processing:
Comparing
MS Office
Google Docs
OpenOffice
OpenOffice
Offers:
Word Processor
Spreadsheet Maker
Presentation Design
Database Managment
Vector Graphics Editor
Math Tool
Saves by default in OpenDocument Formats (ODF)
Supported by MS Office 2007 SP2
Plug ins are available to support ODF in earlier versions
of
MS Office
OpenOffice can export to other formats.
Inserting notes in OpenOffice ...
... Become comments in Word
...but "track changes" edits are
saved and converted as if
accepted.
Open Office Spell check: not good
What about Google docs?
Free, but not open source.
(Though permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this
software and database and its documentation for any purpose.)
This presentation was composed on Google docs.
Presentation can be exported to Powerpoint or PDF.
Google Docs
Offers:
Word Processor
Spreadsheet Maker
Form Maker
Presentation Design
Exports to pdf, ppt, doc, odf, html, rtf, txt
Google Docs
Some loss of formatting in (low frill) presentations
Major loss of formatting when uploading a Word document to
Google Docs
Requires a Google account
UNT Libraries Strategic Plan, in Word
UNT Libraries Strategic Plan, in Google Docs
Google Docs and Collaboration
Invite people...
Get the link to share...
See who has access...
Email as attachment...
Send a message to collaborators...
Publish as web page...
View as web page...
Thank you
Questions and Comments?