Community weekly poll: Would you consider using Linux instead of Windows or Mac OS?
- 2/8/07 10:33 AM
Well said
by Sith840 - 2/9/07 9:24 AM In reply to: Use it exclusively? No way. by scribbles23I agree completely. I also try to fit my response to the needs of the person asking (after asking them about programs they use and what they have been using so far). One size does not fit all.
The empirical frequency of that occurrence is?
by justwally - 2/11/07 10:03 AM In reply to: Use it exclusively? No way. by scribbles23You are correct when you say using one thing to the exclusion of anything else presents problems for those who would rely on a person for tech support/advice.
Still, as a DieHard(TM) Linux user (not fanatic or zealot, but a happy user) I maintain an XP and w2k machine as well -- otherwise I could not honestly say to the world what OS makes me the most productive and is the most pleasing for me to use. I purchased my sister and her family a Mac (simply nephew-proof).
The computer solutions I help others with are based upon their needs and requirements, not my personal preferences. I am frequently frustrated by people who lump all computer X users into one group.
Ubuntu has a great GUI.
by scott_789 - 2/10/07 10:20 PM In reply to: Nope. by Jason239Here is a screenshot of my Ubuntu install. Note the custom application launchers on the top panel. Very easy to add. They can be linked to folders as well, much like creating a shortcut in Windows. (Just don't need to have icons cluttering up the desktop!)
In the little drawer I have links to open my most used folders, so it's actually faster than navigating through the Start Menu - My Documents way.
You can also have multiple desktops with Linux. That can come in real handy if you have a few things going on at once!
I have a dual-boot setup with Win XP so if I can only use an app in Windows I still can. (I'm only using a little more than 10gigs fo Ubuntu and have everything I need.)
I'v never had any problems with the functionality of Linux apps. OpenOffice can do quite a bit more than just "type". (and it's not an "imitation", it's related to Sun's StarOffice. Read about it. Have you ever even tried it?) The GIMP is also an excellent program. Just because an app is free and open source doesn't mean it's substandard. I've actually found the opposite to be true.
Yes, if
by pscherz - 2/9/07 8:57 AM In reply to: Would you consider using Linux instead of Windows or Mac OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have tried several distros. My main issues are probably common. Windows main advantage is that I put a disk in, and install it. It loads drivers and programs, and the world is great. You need software, everyone has windows software, and the same holds true for MAC's.
Then there is Linux. Everything is over the net. Support, software, drivers, you can be at the mercy of some one on the net that may or may not know what they are talking about. I have seen fixes that made no sense.
So, while I like the concept of Linux, until some of these things stabilize, I will probably be a windows user. One other reason, I support 75 AIX systems at work and really don't want to go home and have to fix my home pc.
Linux still a experts OS
by Francisco Costa - 2/9/07 9:23 AM In reply to: Would you consider using Linux instead of Windows or Mac OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
While using the latest Suse Linux version in my Acer Aspire 5050 I have to struggle a lot to get Wireless Internet and graphic card to fully support 3D. But I still prefer to struggle on getting drivers and typing commands at command line than with viruses and malware.
But what are the real advantages of Linux:
- Low Cost (its free)
- All in one OS (comes with most of the software you need, OpenOffice, Gimp and so on)
- Highly customizable (for those who know a little more)
- Several flavors available (distros)
- Several GUI availabe (KDE, Gnome, XFCE, MOTIF and so on)
- 3D interfaces (Beryl and GLX)
- Secure (say goodbye to malware, spyware and viruses)
- Non-stop development (don't have to wait 5 years to see new versions)
- Great for developers (Lots of programming tools available)
The cons on Linux:
- Lack of device drivers for the most recent hardware (still havent foud a driver for my webcam)
- You have to know the command line (mainly to compile and install software)
- No too many fancy and last generation games (some games but not the big titles)
Why shouldn't anyone try Linux, its free, its doesn't require that 2000€ computer that you saw in the store. You can have both Linux and Windows on the same PC. Give it a go...
Another big "con" for Linux
by Sith840 - 2/9/07 9:28 AM In reply to: Linux still a experts OS by Francisco CostaA big "con" is that finding and downloading software and drivers is painful. The sites often assume you know a lot about their particular style and application already. I have had many times when I installed something only to find that it did not work because "I should have known" to install something else 1st. Further, documentation is often terrible and/or out of date. It is not anyone's fault, it is just the nature of lots of people volunteering to work on a project, and some tasks are a lot less fun than others.
Thats for shure the big con
by Francisco Costa - 2/12/07 8:27 AM In reply to: Another big "con" for Linux by Sith840Most of the times its difficult to find drivers because sometimes they don't really exist or because there are thousands of versions for each distro, don't forget sometimes they also require all the dependecies to be installed.
Conclusion: sometimes its a big headache, but sooner or later Open Source community will make the drivers you need available and sooner or later you will understand how to install them!
Linux still an experts OS
by LoboStrolls - 2/11/07 3:12 PM In reply to: Linux still a experts OS by Francisco Costaplease send an email and will try to get you the driver for your webcam. Was surprised my old Kensington Webcam worked straight out using CamStream.
An Orbicam webcam
by Francisco Costa - 2/12/07 8:30 AM In reply to: Linux still an experts OS by LoboStrollsAbout the webcam in my Acer Aspire 5050 I can tell its a Acer Orbicam, don't really know much more about it...
Linux still not ready for the prime time.
by bullywug - 2/9/07 10:24 AM In reply to: Would you consider using Linux instead of Windows or Mac OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Don't get me wrong, there are things about each OS that I like. I like how in OSX I can keep my mail program running all the time without the window taking up real estate. I like how Windows handles pictures and video better than Mac or Linux and I really love the new start menu in Vista. Ubuntu is a very well done version of Linux and for the most part is usable with a few exceptions. First off, Grub is aweful. It is dangerious and can destroy your data very easily and without warning or anyway to undo. This is not acceptable for a main strea average user. Also, until I no longer have to compile programs for linux and modify my kernal to get things to work, it will never be a main stream os.
Linux is better than it used to be, but it still fails in critical areas. It's really run out of time to come of age. Windows and OSX are just as good in just about every way and better in many ways.
hasta la vista vista!!!!!!!!
by ebertomx - 2/9/07 10:35 AM In reply to: Would you consider using Linux instead of Windows or Mac OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
actually i`m testing a ubuntu SO in a pen drive, but its so easy that i`m thinking installing in the hard drive in my laptop hasta la vista vista
Linux
by cwilli8726 - 2/9/07 11:02 AM In reply to: Would you consider using Linux instead of Windows or Mac OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I haven't switched to Linux because I have to remain compatible with my employer's windows software. I have installed a couple of different version of Linux but never had the time to really learn all facets.
My biggest frustration is that I cannot locate drivers and software for my printers and other equipment that takes advantage of all the features. It appears that equipment manufacturers are just not interested in including software that will run under Linux.
Nightmare.....
by sladeledu - 2/9/07 11:07 AM In reply to: Would you consider using Linux instead of Windows or Mac OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
hi guys,
well i have nothing against linux or its distros n as a matter of fact i tried my hand installing it but to no avail. Mandrake was horrible after installing it for some reason my winxp went all slug on me , it would take a good 5 minutes to open explorer n no surpise it froze frequently n i ended up formatting my hd n reinstalling windows. Then there was Ubuntu just recently , i downloaded the iso n burned it over the CD n i just loved the live version and wanted the full OS installed on my comp lil did i realise i was gonna hit the hammer on my own leg...! the install process stopped at 45 % and even after waiting an hour it wouldnt progress. i restarted the comp n thats it the system didnt even boot into windows n soon followed by the BSOD and to make things even worse it actually crashed the HDD. all the data gone n a wrecked HDD i swore to myself never to ever to touch Linux or anything with its impression on it. luckily the hdd was alive and just had to be repartioned n formatted but the all the data was still gone...!im gonna stay miles away from anything thats LINUX.
Being a programmer I do both
by gfine - 2/9/07 11:18 AM In reply to: Would you consider using Linux instead of Windows or Mac OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have been using Linux since RH 4, and Windows since 2.11. I have learned not to be too religious about what OS was better and why. As I was once a developer on OS/2 Warp, I learned this lesson well.
Being a programmer I have learned that if you are not current with technologies, programming languages, and methods it impacts both your marketability and your ability to 'do the job'.
At home and work I have both Windows and Linux boxes. I use whatever I need for the job. If it is programming I use either. For casual web browsing and e-mail I use the Winbox. For gaming I use our game console(s), and rarely use either Linux or Windows.
As 'web applications' become more popular, and are OS neutral, it will boil down to what OS will provide the best speed, services and usability.
Vista and Linux both suffer from the lack of drivers for legacy or oddball hardware. But, more and more, hardware providers are supplying both Windows and Linux drivers for their products.
In the end the choice of OS, for the general consumer, boils down to familiarity, usability, and cost. For the techie, it is whatever floats their boat for the moment.
The next best Frisbeee (re: OS) may be none of the above...
Started migrating to Ubuntu already...
by raynathompson - 2/9/07 11:25 AM In reply to: Would you consider using Linux instead of Windows or Mac OS? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I am using Unbuntu, and all my hardware (so far) has run without so much as a hiccup. There are a few key Windows-compatible software I am addicted to, but which I have yet to try looking for a substitute (soon...soon!) or looking into trying WINE.
I simply cannot afford (not do I want to) pay for Vista for all my PCs. I don't have a problem paying for software applications to aacomplish what I want. Nor do I object to "donating" for freeware which I use, even the odd rare app, it serves my purpose.
My PC gives me plenty of "eye candy" now, and I find Ubuntu fun and easy to use. The full Vista "experience" won't even run on but two of my current PCs. Of course, I don't need it for my file server, currently running NASlite linux. But I have plans for those others, and those plans are now sealed with a sticker that says "Powered by Ubuntu".
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