Using Linux

[SARGE]

Is Linux just typing commands, things you have to memorize or have a list of? Looks like a mouse can't be used and seems so ancient compared to Windows or even Mac. Why would someone want to use an OS where you have to type everything?? Do the users live in the dark ages?

[XenaWP]

Actually, there are many versions of Linux that have great GUIs. Ubuntu, ZenWalk, OpenSUSE, Fedora, Mint ... all have great interfaces that are in many ways nicer to use than Windows. Try one some time ... you can download a live CD version to boot from and try it out without actually installing it.

[jdeb]

The GUI is a big part of the Linux experience in all actuality. They give you many choices whereas Windows only gives you one. You have the choice of KDE, Gnome, XFCE, LXDE, Fluxbox, Black Box, and others. They also give you a plethora of windows managers to tweak the look and feel of the Desktop. If your into eye candy and do some reading, the sky is the limit.

10 Of The Best Linux Desktop Customization Screenshots To Inspire Your Creativity

Linux screen shots - Google Search

Now with that being said, graphical interfaces serve a purpose and so does the command line. There are a lot of things easier to do with a command line then with a graphical user interface. With Linux, the command line is much easier to use than in Windows and is more powerful. Some of the easier things are: Checking memory usage, updating software, install a program (or multiple) kill any program, resizing 1000 pictures with a certain name pattern, recursively remove all files with a certain extension, automating and scheduling actions, and many more. So in theory, it is not really dark ages, just easier and faster ways of doing things. The beauty of Linux is that with distro's like Ubuntu and Mint, you do not have to use the command line but if you want more control and power, it is available.

[Tin]

The biggest downfall to nearly any new Linux user, is they treat it like Windows. I prefer to use the command line for any larger scale jobs that I may do, as its easier to chain a few commands together to get a lot of work done vs having to click something, change it, move to the next file, and so on and so forth. The way I learned Linux, was I simply quit using Windows. Im now running Windows for the first time in 4 years, but now I can effectively use both OSes with ease. The first 2 months were pure hell, but I made it. Google is an excellent resource on Linux. The best search query you could use would involve "how to [perform a certain task] in [the distro youre running]." Each distro has extensive documentation on how to do what it is you need. If you want to dabble in the command line, dont forget the man pages. The man pages are manuals for each program that can be run from the command line. To access the man page for a certain program, simple type

man *program*

and youll have a well written description on how to get your program to do what you want . Oh yeah, forgot to add instead of using terminal (command line) emulators, just use the TTYs. CTRL + ALT + F2 thru F6. You can have up to 5 terminals running at once via the TTYs. Bring up your man page in one, and input your command in another . To get back to the GUI, press CTRL + ALT + F7.

[David M]

Is Sarge's description of Linux correct? I don't know if anyone answered his question. Is Linux just entering a command into a command line the same as Windows 3.1? Or can you use a mouse and click on icons in order to launch applications?

[SARGE]

Originally Posted by David M Is Sarge's description of Linux correct? I don't know if anyone answered his question. Is Linux just entering a command into a command line the same as Windows 3.1? Or can you use a mouse and click on icons in order to launch applications?

Thank you.

[Tin]

Originally Posted by jdeb The beauty of Linux is that with distro's like Ubuntu and Mint, you do not have to use the command line but if you want more control and power, it is available.

Its been answered already .

[rwest]

Originally Posted by jdeb The GUI is a big part of the Linux experience in all actuality. They give you many choices whereas Windows only gives you one. You have the choice of KDE, Gnome, XFCE, LXDE, Fluxbox, Black Box, and others. They also give you a plethora of windows managers to tweak the look and feel of the Desktop. If your into eye candy and do some reading, the sky is the limit. 10 Of The Best Linux Desktop Customization Screenshots To Inspire Your Creativity Linux screen shots - Google Search Now with that being said, graphical interfaces serve a purpose and so does the command line. There are a lot of things easier to do with a command line then with a graphical user interface. With Linux, the command line is much easier to use than in Windows and is more powerful. Some of the easier things are: Checking memory usage, updating software, install a program (or multiple) kill any program, resizing 1000 pictures with a certain name pattern, recursively remove all files with a certain extension, automating and scheduling actions, and many more. So in theory, it is not really dark ages, just easier and faster ways of doing things. The beauty of Linux is that with distro's like Ubuntu and Mint, you do not have to use the command line but if you want more control and power, it is available.

well it was stuck at the end of a bunch of mumbo jumbo
I think some folks were looking for just the wrap up.

[harrydd]

Originally Posted by SARGE Is Linux just typing commands, things you have to memorize or have a list of? Looks like a mouse can't be used and seems so ancient compared to Windows or even Mac. Why would someone want to use an OS where you have to type everything?? Do the users live in the dark ages?

hey, I have install linux in my pc but how to install server in mount point on dvd in linux please .....................share me

[MaxRat]

Sarge...

Linux uses a mouse and icons too... most of the stuff you need is pre-installed and if it isnt you install it from the Synaptic Package Manager...

I prefer PC Linux OS just because they have several flavors that are tailored to your liking and they have a whole forum dedicated to helping you should you need it....

I'd take a spare hard drive and unplug your windows drive and just load up a couple different flavors and play. Download the ISO and burn it to a DVD and load it up...

most of the time you only need to go find your video card driver to enable all the awesome eye candy

[David M]

Are there things Linux does that Windows does not?

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by David M Are there things Linux does that Windows does not?

Update all the software with a single action.

Update virtually everything without a reboot.

Run the OS for free without pirating software, and without breaking the law.

Run Internet Explorer 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 etc on the same desktop using the IEs4Linux project.

Customise every aspect of my desktop.

Take my settings with me where ever I go.

Understand everything that is going on in my computer.

Run thousands of software application that only run on Linux.

Security without software that consumes system resources, time, and annoying pop-ups.

[Nuclear Krusader]

You forgot the multiple desktops.

[birddog_61]

Originally Posted by jdeb Update all the software with a single action. Update virtually everything without a reboot. Run the OS for free without pirating software, and without breaking the law. Run Internet Explorer 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 etc on the same desktop using the IEs4Linux project. Customise every aspect of my desktop. Take my settings with me where ever I go. Understand everything that is going on in my computer. Run thousands of software application that only run on Linux. Security without software that consumes system resources, time, and annoying pop-ups.

Ok, I am sold on trying this out. Is there a specific version you would recommend for a fist time linux user? I have heard MINT is good.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by birddog_61 Ok, I am sold on trying this out. Is there a specific version you would recommend for a fist time linux user? I have heard MINT is good.

Take the Distro Chooser questionnaire and see what it comes up with. I think Mint is a great choice for the first time user. It comes in a live version that can be installed to the hard drive. Worst case is you run it live and see what you think. Many versions of Linux are available for running live, another thing Windows can't do.

zegenie Studios Linux Distribution Chooser

[Nuclear Krusader]

openSUSE!!

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Nuclear Krusader openSUSE!!

I love that one too.

[XenaWP]

I like Mint, Ubuntu, OpenSuse, and Fedora a lot.

I also really like ZenWalk ... it's blazing fast and very pretty.

[ConLog]

For a newbie it's got to be Linux Mint IMHO.

[oryx]

Here's some points I don't think have been covered.

It hasn't always been so, but nowadays, Linux is pretty good at hardware recognition. You don't usually have to worry about drivers. On the same hardware, Linux performs better than Windows.

You also don't need anti-virus, but that's because you always have to enter your password to update anything. While the applications available for Linux are free, they aren't as good as the Windows equivalents.

If you want to keep it simple, you don't need to use the command line to make changes to the system. If you want to do anything more complicated you do need to use the command line.

[nickgr5]

Also, whoever wants to run Windows applications under Linux there are many ways for that. Most of you should already know Wine; WineHQ - Run Windows applications on Linux, BSD, Solaris and Mac OS X

[bosco]

Originally Posted by SARGE Is Linux just typing commands, things you have to memorize or have a list of? Looks like a mouse can't be used and seems so ancient compared to Windows or even Mac. Why would someone want to use an OS where you have to type everything?? Do the users live in the dark ages?

Yes and no. Depending on which distrobution you choose. It can be easier(linux mint) or harder(Slackware) than Windows.
As far as "Why would someone want to use an OS where you have to type everything??" for total cantrol. Linux will give you that... if you want it.

[acr98disc]

Originally Posted by David M Are there things Linux does that Windows does not?

Sure thing.
As one advantage, for example, I can use it's live cd just to boot a PC, using built in tools for partitioning and formatting HDD to virtually any file system. Windows can't do it...
Same thing, if I have to use my employers PC, but don't want them to know what did I do with it, I will fire up Linux live cd, just to use hardware.

I can use Linux to browse Windows partition, delete, move, copy files, etc.
Windows doesn't recognize Linux's file system without special software that you will have to pay for.

Security - another very strong point over Windows.
Viruses for Linux aren't known to exist. Not because of OS itself, I think, but because it wouldn't be to anyones advantage writing them, since majority of people using Windows.

Very many distros (distributions) to choose from, for special purpose too.
Windows - we only got what we got.

Additionally, you can run Windows programs on Linux (theoretically, not all of them will run) using Wine.

[glc]

Viruses for Linux aren't known to exist.

Definitely not true.

Let me google that for you

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by glc Definitely not true. Let me google that for you

I almost wrote that but I have not known anyone to get one with Linux. It happens though. Heck, I have never got one on any of my Windows machines over the years.

[acr98disc]

Originally Posted by jdeb I almost wrote that but I have not known anyone to get one with Linux. It happens though. Heck, I have never got one on any of my Windows machines over the years.

That"s my point, - if I use Linux, that's mainly for security.
Neither I know anyone that ever got anything on their Linux boxes...
I been getting junk on Windows 7, even though MS says that "Windows 7 is most advanced and secure OS in the world". Well, maybe it is, but if I need to visit some site I never been to before, I always use Linux and never had any trouble.

[Detonate]

My answer to the OP's original question, I have been on the computer for an hour this morning and the only thing I have had to type, other than this message, is my password. I don't use any MS programs installed. I have XP installed in a virtual machine for those rare occasions when I have to use it. I do use the command line a lot, but mostly because it is easier and faster, almost everything can be done from a GUI. This is Linux Mint. I use a program called Compiz to manage my multiple desktops, which I have set to four now but I can have as many as I want. I can easily switch desktops by merely slamming my mouse into the hot corner and all four of my desktops appear on one screen and I can the select the one I want. There are also hot keys that can do this as well. This is in Linux Mint.

[acr98disc]

Originally Posted by XenaWP I like Mint, Ubuntu, OpenSuse, and Fedora a lot. I also really like ZenWalk ... it's blazing fast and very pretty.

I tried ZenWalk last night... It is fast, but it didn't look pretty to me.
When I first started using Linux a few years ago, it was Mandrake 10. As I remember it was really buggy and it failed recognizing a few things including sound. It would load the driver but I didn't have any sounds. I tried another one - same scenario.Then I was told on their forum to get a separate and most importantly, oldest soundcard and snap it in...
So, this Zenwalk looks a lot like Mandrake to me.
I still have this PC, Mint and Ubuntu run like a champ on it and everything works.
Personally, I prefer Ubuntu over Mint, but switched to Mint when they came out with this stupid launcher on the side. I guess you can get used to it, but I just never bothered...
I hope they will get rid of it soon or provide a way to turn desktop to something more useful.

[doubledragon5]

Here goes a question for you Linux users.. How do you install Linux when Windows is installed first, but do not want to use the Linux bootloader.. This is where I run into issues.. For example I installed Ubuntu, and really do not like the Unity desktop. So after having it for a few months, I decide to wipe the drive and try something new.. But when I reboot the system to try and enter windows, I get a grub error.. This is a sticking point for me If I want to try another distro.. I want it so when I wipe a drive the whole thing including grub is gone..

[SARGE]

I used a separate drive and no grub. Gotta select at boot what I want to use (Win7 or Mint) but a small hassle to live with. If you'd like another separate drive, just holler. I have a few collecting dust and free.