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Why would a regular PC user use Linux?
- Thread starter KarishBHR
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I just recently started using Debian linux, sarge distro, Gnome desktop environment. I'm using it because my educational copy of Win XP has bit it and I'm sick of MS' shit always sucking dick. Linux is reliable like a rock and if unless you game on your PC Windows doesn't really offer anything more but is more expensive and less efficient with your system.
Totally loving APT too, greatest part of Debian in my opinion.
Hey, for any long time linux users (especially debian users) wanna give a noob a hand and give me an idea on some good programs to pick up? I already have Firefox for my web browser, Open Office for my office suite, and Gaim for IM. I'd like to find good video and music players, a way to change the themes of my desktop more extensively, etc..
Totally loving APT too, greatest part of Debian in my opinion.
Hey, for any long time linux users (especially debian users) wanna give a noob a hand and give me an idea on some good programs to pick up? I already have Firefox for my web browser, Open Office for my office suite, and Gaim for IM. I'd like to find good video and music players, a way to change the themes of my desktop more extensively, etc..
Teknopathetic
Member
Outside of gaming and multimedia creation, there's not a whole lot you can't do on linux that you can on windows. If all you are is a web browser, music, etc. user, there's nothing wrong or limiting about using linux.
As for which linux people use, it's really dependant on what you want out of a distrobution. If you're fairly new to linux, there's nothing wrong with straight direct from CD linux distros like Knoppix which'll get you used to the environment with lower risk of fucking something up. Thre's also Mandrake which isn't a direct from CD distro, but keeps most of the icky parts of installing out of your hair by doing them automatically.
For more travelled users there's always Gentoo, Debian, SuSE (which is much more...windows-esque in comparison to the previous two), Fedora, Slackware, and many many more popular distros.
As for which linux people use, it's really dependant on what you want out of a distrobution. If you're fairly new to linux, there's nothing wrong with straight direct from CD linux distros like Knoppix which'll get you used to the environment with lower risk of fucking something up. Thre's also Mandrake which isn't a direct from CD distro, but keeps most of the icky parts of installing out of your hair by doing them automatically.
For more travelled users there's always Gentoo, Debian, SuSE (which is much more...windows-esque in comparison to the previous two), Fedora, Slackware, and many many more popular distros.
KarishBHR said:
I use Ubuntu is the best distribution IMHO, why I use it? well...mainly because curiosity I study Computing Sciences and the OS is very reliable choice for mainframes and servers because they license and modularity.
I think you mean that some people use it just because the L33T factor and for pissing MS and sadly a lot of people think about that and try to "evangelize" the OS like a gift from the heaven, Linux isn't for the average user is very far from it and Windows is a much better option by far, but Linux is a great choice for the server/workstation market
Linux Software:
XMMS - you might already have this. Looks like Winamp, works like Winamp, but is not quite the same as Winamp.
Evolution - good email client. Novell is helping promote this for their eventual MS Exchange replacement. Now, if only they would port it to Windows...
Also be sure to download OpenOffice 2. I believe it's out, and Debian might not have it since they're like 2 years behind on everything. (ha ha! I kid. but Debian is pretty darn conservative on upgrading their packages...)
XMMS - you might already have this. Looks like Winamp, works like Winamp, but is not quite the same as Winamp.
Evolution - good email client. Novell is helping promote this for their eventual MS Exchange replacement. Now, if only they would port it to Windows...
Also be sure to download OpenOffice 2. I believe it's out, and Debian might not have it since they're like 2 years behind on everything. (ha ha! I kid. but Debian is pretty darn conservative on upgrading their packages...)
wobedraggled
Banned
Lower resource requirements (aka can run on crappy hardware)
No risk of viruses
More stable in general
Choice of Desktop Interface (Gnome/KDE/Blackbox/IceWM/WindowMaker etc etc etc)
Can run a good amount of windows stuff via emulation (Wine)
Good community overall
What's not to like?!?!?!
I'm running a Suse 9.3 pro box as a fileserver, and I love the damned thing.
No risk of viruses
More stable in general
Choice of Desktop Interface (Gnome/KDE/Blackbox/IceWM/WindowMaker etc etc etc)
Can run a good amount of windows stuff via emulation (Wine)
Good community overall
What's not to like?!?!?!
I'm running a Suse 9.3 pro box as a fileserver, and I love the damned thing.
Lhadatt said:
They are.
Lhadatt said:
OpenOffice.org 2.0 is still in beta, sadly. They're way overdue. Debian has a stable distribution (which has been tested extensively for bugs and conflicts, releases happen every few years although they're looking to change this; the only updates to packages are bug fixes and security fixes), testing (which is where they put packages set to be released in the next stable release for, as the name suggests, testing) and unstable (known as sid, and is the cutting edge. Packages in sid tend to be pretty up to date, with the odd exception).
btw Ubuntu Foundation has a very nice program to ship free cd's (they even pay for the shipping) of their distribution the package comes with the LiveCD and the Install disc so you can only boot from the Live CD if you only want to try it, the number of copies that you can order is very big, some guy from my university ordered 100cd's and they came after 1 month.
http://shipit.ubuntulinux.org/
http://shipit.ubuntulinux.org/
A regular PC user wouldn't use Linux. It simply isn't as... well, simple, as Windows. In addition, the occasional crash or memory hog(I'm not talking running WinXP on a 64 meg machine, I'm talking within reason) doesn't significantly impact your average user. Windows does a good job of being braindead easy.
Linux is complex. It's also cheaper, more stable, and more efficient. It's designed for those people who want an operating system better tailored to their needs and are willing to work to get it.
The regular user doesn't want to poke around on various message boards for a few hours trying to figure out how to update drivers or fix a small problem. They want the OS to be transparent. They want to do whatever they need to do without being bothered about the internal workings of the operating system. Windows does an excellent job of this, as does Mac OS. In my experience, Linux doesn't.
That said, for the most basic tasks(i.e. writing documents, browsing the web, etc.) you could probably switch a Linux box for a Windows box on a user's desk without too much trouble. Well, until it came time for a kernel update, a driver update, or something else of that nature. Heaven forbid the user has to touch the command line! :lol
Linux is complex. It's also cheaper, more stable, and more efficient. It's designed for those people who want an operating system better tailored to their needs and are willing to work to get it.
The regular user doesn't want to poke around on various message boards for a few hours trying to figure out how to update drivers or fix a small problem. They want the OS to be transparent. They want to do whatever they need to do without being bothered about the internal workings of the operating system. Windows does an excellent job of this, as does Mac OS. In my experience, Linux doesn't.
That said, for the most basic tasks(i.e. writing documents, browsing the web, etc.) you could probably switch a Linux box for a Windows box on a user's desk without too much trouble. Well, until it came time for a kernel update, a driver update, or something else of that nature. Heaven forbid the user has to touch the command line! :lol
I'm actually looking to install Linux on my computer just to learn the general OS and networking for future job opportunities. Is there a way to run Linux on a computer that already has Windows Pro installed? I don't want to get rid of Windows because I need it for some programs and gaming. I have a second hard drive that I could install Linux on, but I'm not sure how to interchange between the two OS'.
Any advice on this would really be appreciated, thanks
Any advice on this would really be appreciated, thanks
Catzgirl said:I'm actually looking to install Linux on my computer just to learn the general OS and networking for future job opportunities. Is there a way to run Linux on a computer that already has Windows Pro installed? I don't want to get rid of Windows because I need it for some programs and gaming. I have a second hard drive that I could install Linux on, but I'm not sure how to interchange between the two OS'.
Any advice on this would really be appreciated, thanks
I wonder if the people read my posts :/
Myself said:
a Live CD is a bootable CD that has the full featured linux distro with the purpouse to try it without damaging any other OS installations,
btw you said that you can install a slave HDD well Ubuntu and almost any other popular linux distro. comes with LILO or GRUB they are OS loaders (a menu that let you choose between Windows or Linux at the startup)
CaptainABAB
Member
Catzgirl said:I'm actually looking to install Linux on my computer just to learn the general OS and networking for future job opportunities. Is there a way to run Linux on a computer that already has Windows Pro installed? I don't want to get rid of Windows because I need it for some programs and gaming. I have a second hard drive that I could install Linux on, but I'm not sure how to interchange between the two OS'.
Any advice on this would really be appreciated, thanks
Knoppix - no install required, runs from CD
Catzgirl said:Oh, I did read your post. I already have a Linux install cd from a friend, I just really wanted to know how/if it was possibe to install or switch between Windows and Linux on the same comp. Thanks for the Lilo and Grub suggestions, I'll try those out
thanks , the installation of those loaders is very straight forward because is part of the installation process of linux, LILO or GRUB are installed on the MBR but your XP installation will be intact, the only warning is that the default option when you left the loader idle after a few seconds is linux in most of the distros that I tried, I'm sure that you change that but I really have bothered to learn that.
DirtyHarry said:
Ubuntu.
Quick question. I have Linux installed on a slave hdd, is there a way to read files from the master HDD (ntfs file system)? I have a lot of pics and videos on my Windows drive that I'd like to be able access in Linux. Is there no way to share files between the two? Thanks.
http://www.ubuntuguide.org/#automountntfs
There'll be a (long overdue) disk manager in the next version.
There'll be a (long overdue) disk manager in the next version.
norinrad21
Banned
I'm also looking to run linux, but i have no idea which one to go with. For a complete newbie like me, how would i able to run my wireless connection on that thing? Do i need to install a software for it to be able to access the net?
Is it really user friendly as my good ol XP?
Is it really user friendly as my good ol XP?
norinrad21 said:
Hopefully it will detect your wireless out of the box and automatically configure it. A good way of testing this is with a Live CD, which will give you a fully working system without touching your hard drive. I suggest the afore-mentioned Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com) as both a distribution to install on your hard drive and as a live CD, downloads are available at the site, or if you haven't got the bandwidth, free CD packages can be ordered. If you do decide to install it to your hard drive, I'd suggest waiting until the next version is released in mid-October, as it contains many improvements over the current edition.
In terms of ease-of-use, it's pretty good. My computer novice mother is perfectly happy with it and manages to browse the web, email and organise her photos without any trouble.
The main beef I have with Linux is a proper desktop environment. Gnome, KDE, XFCE4, they're all very close to Windows XP but still fall short (and if you say that to Linux zealots they immediately dismiss it). Gnome is very Windows XP-ish, but very bloated and ugly. Same goes for KDE. XFCE4 is the closest thing to Windows 98, so I use it. Blazin' fast. Only problem is, is that I had to customize it a lot for it to be like Windows. Seriously. No one is willing to develop a Windows clone because... I dunno. They're all too lazy. If you want my opinion, if you want to use linux, and you're a complete newb, it's more about the desktop environment than it is about the underlying system (distros have slightly different underlying systems but also different desktop environments).norinrad21 said:
I use Debian.
Well, some people would not say XP is user friendly. Having to click on the start menu to shut down your computer is not what I'd call logical. But once you "get" it, XP can be quite easy to use of course.norinrad21 said:
KDE really tries to get the best parts of XP without the stupid stuff. Gnome is more trying to do his own thing, but still has a lot in common with the windows interface.
Personally I've been using Linux as my main OS at home for about 8 years now. I use enlightenment 0.16, one gnome panel (just for the GAIM status icon) and gkrellm. Everything else is keyboard shortcuts and virtual desktops. It's *incredibly* efficient, I never have to use my mouse except when it's really needed. Of course it's not at all user friendly unless you know exactly what the keyboard shortcuts are
But then I'm mainly a coder, so using Linux makes more sense for me than for average Joe. And I still have a second computer (more powerful in fact, but not always powered on) for Windows, I use it mainly for video capturing/compression (using virtualdub and mencoder mainly) and for HD movies. I use mainly Linux because it's the most efficient tool for me and I don't have to pay for anything, it's not a political choice.
If some of you people are not used to using the terminal/console and don't really feel comfortable in it, install a program called cowsay and mess around with it. >
It will be awesome...
Hmmm, desktop environments like that were never my thing (I prefer something that resembles Windows), although I sometimes did feel pretty comfortable in them (I've used FVWM for a while, real nice customization). But I think it would be cool if someone would come up with a desktop environment that totally made the mouse obsolete. Like, you could still point and kill or something but in a different way. Something really innovative that requires you to type all the time instead of typing once in a while and using the mouse and constantly keep switching back and forth...Blimblim said:I use enlightenment 0.16, one gnome panel (just for the GAIM status icon) and gkrellm. Everything else is keyboard shortcuts and virtual desktops. It's *incredibly* efficient, I never have to use my mouse except when it's really needed. Of course it's not at all user friendly unless you know exactly what the keyboard shortcuts are
It will be awesome...
Oh, come on. No fancy graphics? I've heard of ratpoison before, by the way. I want something as fancy lookin' as Mac OS X and the functionality like I just said... that would be awesome.DirtyHarry said:Erm, it's called ratpoison and it's pretty good. If you're familiar with screen, you should have no problem with ratpoison. Running the GIMP under it is a nightmare though, to say the least.
No. I said I want something so different that doesn't require you to use a mouse. I mean, currently, it works like, taskbar... icons... stuff like that. Mac OS X is similar. Taskbar-like object at the top, icons all aligned on the bottom... It has to stop! WE NEED A REVOLUTION!aoi tsuki said:
1. Hold a group of Linux programmers at gunpoint.Ruzbeh said:
2. Force them to enroll into a four-year graphic design course.
3. Force them to program the application you wish upon course completion.
Otherwise if just won't happen. Linux is inherently focused on functionality; looks be damned. Programmers and designers in any visual field (except for maybe information design) are polar opposites, hence the noticeable difference in a web site designed by web programmers and web designers.
Well, I dunno! I just want something completely different. It's always been taskbar this, mouse this, those three minimize, maximize, close buttons... I want something completely different, but not in a bad way. Like, something different, but good. Liiiiike, those minimalistic window managers on linux are different, but not good! So I think someone should just come up with something new! Something that just makes you think and work differently on a computer, and it would be nice that the mouse would just be dropped. A desktop environment that is just keyboard-only. But that wouldn't make you feel like you're missing your mouse. So the environment should be so worked out that you feel the keyboard is doing a fine job replacing the mouse and maybe even better (because you don't need to pause and move the mouse and resume typing).Hitokage said:
Am I making sense here?
Teknopathetic
Member
Command line?
:lol :lol No! But I've used no X for, like, a week. I felt pretty damn comfortable in it and it has it's advantages, but I want something that is just as able to use a mouse and stuff. Or something. So I want something graphic. A revolutionary desktop environment that requires no mouse but still has the ability to run regular apps like Firefox or Gaim.Teknopathetic said:
The Linux what system?Hitokage said:
The average distro usually boots with 6+ terminals running at the same time, you can use alt+fX or alt+left/right to switch between them(ctrl+alt while in X). I dunno, but as far as OMG NO MOUSE goes... what's wrong with existing stuff? You can navigate Windows with no mouse whatsoever(ctrl+esc and tab are your friend), and OSX/KDE are both keyboard friendly.
wobedraggled
Banned
Ruzbeh said:
Fluxbox maybe
Like I said, the priority should be about, like, a new system. No stupid taskbar, no standard three buttons on every window bar, etc. The whole mouse thing is just a detail, I wouldn't mind using a mouse, but the main thing should be, like, coming up with a new system to revolutionize the desktop environment.Hitokage said:
wobedraggled: I've already tried it, it's not very different, it's just minimalistic.
KarishBHR said:
yes the livecd is indeed slower and firefox takes some few seconds more than windows to execute, if you want to speed up, disable IPv6, type about:config in the url field and find a value related to IPv6, or just go to www.ubuntuforums.org and serach for firefox boost
Yes, yes we do. I saw Johnny Mnemonic. Aaaaaaaaand the way he accessed computers and getting info was awesome. It was just one peripheral (the gloves and helmet) and he didn't switch between them and stuff. Switching between peripherals (keyboard and mouse) is STUPID. STUPID, STUPID. Taskbars are stupid, too. I mean, damn, Microsoft had to introduce it like 20 years ago and we're still using it. That's kind of pathetic. Obviously I wouldn't want a 'revolution' if I knew that there could be no more improvement in desktop environments and stuff. Lemme tell ya, buddy, there's plenty of room for improvement. I'm not talking about enhancements of the taskbar and application windows (Like the new Windows Vista Shitsta), I'm talking something about brand new. I guess you could say kind of like Nintendo and games. You'd think the games are fine the way they are now, but they're nawt.FiRez said:
seriously do we really need a revolution in the GUI field? You don't hear people requesting a new way to drive cars because the current one is efficient enough
Teknopathetic
Member
Ruzbeh: I think you're too caught up in the fantasy world of Sci-fi. I'd like floating cars and access the internet via some headset, but reality's much, much less cool.
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