I am tired of working hard (moderated and closed)

[Computer Hobbyist]

For those who don't remember me, I have been an Linux user for a long, long time. I have tried many distros and have had fun with them, but I am tired of working hard. All I want to do is play DVDs. I don't want to download a dozen libraries and sixty three different Codecs. I just want to load some software and play DVDs. I am tired of loading a new distro every year or two and having to load plugins for Mozilla or whatever. I am tired of jacking with anti-virus software that requires an advanced degree to use. I am just tired of working hard. Software should make life easier, not harder. Has any alternative software advanced to the point that it is easy to use.

I just wanted to check in and see if there is a distro for people who don't want to be geeks anymore.

[glc]

Try Ubuntu.

[Computer Hobbyist]

Thanks.

[flcpge]

Why would you need to change distros every year or two? Pick one and learn it. I've found Mplayer to be very versatile for video. If I'm lazy and want something that works, a good "alternative" is Windows.

I'm tired of working hard too, but that's life.

[pc master]

Just use windows

Much easier. What does everyone have against microsoft.

[Ind-PC_student]

Yes it is easier until it slows down

Easy software is just a myth

what makes software easy is to get used to its routines

[pc master]

i would rather have an OS that slows down a bit, than not being able to play games, music or dvds without downloading a new load a rubbish.

Linux will never beat windows.

Windows is more user-friendly. You never walk into pc world and find a brand new packard bell oc running linux do you.

[Digitalic]

I second pc master`s Windows vote. I`ve played with Linux and it definately has it`s uses for advanced users who want to stay on top of things.

For the average user who wants to download music and such Windows is fine and way easier and I like the "polished' look of Windows as compared to the 3.1 look of Linux.

Run Windows update regularly and you`ll be fine.

[rspassey]

Oh lord not another Linux vs Windows thread. I agree with glc, when I tried Ubuntu it had everything I was looking for; though its obvisious that different distros for different people is an issue; what we may like and what works for us may not suit your needs. Please can we not turn this into a debate that he should use windows for x purposes and not use linux for y reasons... Most of us can live in harmony with both Linux and Windows (I use both near daily and don't try pushing one for the other). Just wondering; what distros have you tried which no longer suit your needs? (I can probably cross them off my list of distro I want to DL and install to test out)

Originally Posted by pc master You never walk into pc world and find a brand new packard bell oc running linux do you.

It has been done before; Walmart I believe sold new computers with Linux on it... and MITs 100$ laptop project will be using some sort of linux.... and I know people who buy/build new computer and the first thing they do in install their favorite distro on it. Windows and Linux and what ever OS; its personal preference.

Originally Posted by pc master What does everyone have against microsoft.

Seems like you might have something against Linux.... I know for certain that lots of people dont want to pay the 90$ or what ever it is to buy XP... That is just one reason why I equally use both - If i dont like the distro I switch it free of charge. And I know that applies to others too.

[glc]

EVERYBODY read the last 2 sentences in CH's first post.

Has any alternative software advanced to the point that it is easy to use. I just wanted to check in and see if there is a distro for people who don't want to be geeks anymore.

Recommending Windows in this thread is NOT appropriate, much less starting a Linux vs. Windows debate. The discussion WILL be confined to suggesting Linux distributions or other alternative operating systems. I happen to know that CH could teach a lot of you folks something about Linux, he's been using it to run his business for several years and he does use Windows where he feels it's appropriate.

- Admin -

[thefultonhow]

I've found that the easiest-to-use versions of Linux are the ones that are stripped down and designed for a specialized purpose. Examples include Endian Firewall for a router/firewall/proxy server/content filter and Asterisk@home for a PBX system. These have low system requirements and are usually administerable through a custom web interface, so there's no need to mess about with arcane configuration options.

For general-purpose software, though, even Ubuntu has problems. My brother installed it on his Toshiba laptop and it took him a month to get the screen resolution right (it wouldn't do widescreen). Even after that, most of the laptop's power management features weren't supported. I think the biggest problem with Linux, even for capable enthusiasts, is the extremely spotty driver support (which, granted, is a problem created by hardware companies, not the Linux community). The second-biggest is the expectation that you need to compile 50% of the software from its source code (and satisfy dependencies) if you want to install it. Granted, this is a bit less of a problem in Ubuntu because of things like apt-get, but it is still a problem nonetheless.

I've said it before -- Linux is extremely capable and stable as a server OS. However, when you get into the desktop realm, where it's expected that you should be able to watch a DVD without working on your computer for days, even the easiest to use versions often fall flat on their face.

[Digitalic]

To glc......I want to first say that I have a sincere respect for your unquestionable knowledge and experience with computers but have to question what purpose is served by coming down on members suggesting Windows as an alternative to Linux? I personally didn`t see anyone question CH`s ability to operate or administer any OS but simply replies pertaining to his obvious annoyance at having to continually chase after the proper libraries and codecs and such.

I construed his post as basically blowing off some steam more or less and hardly considered that he was about to abandon his OS of choice because a few of us suggested Windows as an alternative.

Is the purpose of these forums to discuss computer related issues or are we all supposed to be politically correct with our posts and cower worrying about having the Wrath Of Khan come down upon us from one of the all powerful mods?

Simply put.....just lighten up and don`t take yourself so serious!!

Well, now that my name is dirt around here I depart thanking those who listened to me and those who helped me.

[glc]

Your only mistake was possibly not using the best judgement in making your post, and there is NOTHING being held against you. My post was to restore proper forum decorum, not to point fingers at any individual. This thread is NOT appropriate for starting a Windows vs. Linux debate for reasons I stated. I'm sorry you are so sensitive. If you think *I* came down hard, it's a good thing you never tangled with our previous admin. If you really prefer forums which are a "free for all" and flaming is not only tolerated, but actually encouraged, then maybe that's where you belong - this is NOT one of those forums. In order to keep this a respectful place, sometimes feathers have to be ruffled by the staff, if you take that personally, that's your problem, not ours, and I feel sorry for you. My moderator actually wanted to close this thread and issue warnings, I tempered that a LOT with my post.

[Statica]

Ok I've closed this thread out. This thread is continued here: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=143326

As a request, please check out the guidelines for posting to this board; and if you have a difference of opinion with the mod/admin staff do so by PM.