I Want To Try Linux

[chuck4456]

I'm doing some more builds and I was thinking about trying out Linux - just for something different - if nothing else. What's it like?

[ghost2003]

Whats it like? Im not sure what you expect as a response. Its the same thing as asking what is windows or mac like. It all depends on what you do with it, what software you have running on it, what distro you have. Could your question be more specific?

[chuck4456]

I guess what I'm thinking about is software support. If I want to install software say, for example, Canon Zoom or something like that. Or...... if I want to install Nero. What diversity is there? I've been using Windows for so many years, that I don't know what the specifics would be. Windows is getting too picky these days. It's also costly. They expected me to purchase another license on a three month old copy of XP that had failed during a hard drive blow out. I had to spend two days on the phone to straighten it out. I know piracy is a big issue these days, but Microsoft's techniques in regards to reinstalls are getting absurd.

[Kareeser]

Take every program you've ever heard of that supports the Windows OS, and throw it out the window. You'll be learning everything from scratch.

It's a tough world, Linux, but if you can get past the rough (mis)steps at the beginning, I'm sure it'll be great.

There are many good things about Linux, and many bad things. I could give a list of what I don't like, but I suppose that's not exactly appropriate

[glc]

Put yourself together an old machine - 500 MHz, 256 ram, and a 10 gig hard drive is plenty - and start playing. For a beginner, I suggest Ubuntu.

[DarkPacMan77]

yes if you decide to make the build for your own personal use especially, make sure you make a junker to fool with.

[faulkner132]

Originally Posted by DarkPacMan77 yes if you decide to make the build for your own personal use especially, make sure you make a junker to fool with.

Or just use a Live CD. It will be slow but it gives you a good idea of what you can do.

Like glc, I would recommend Ubuntu. I've been using it over a year as my sole OS at home and absolutely love it. It does everything I need.

[GraemeM]

Originally Posted by faulkner132 Or just use a Live CD. It will be slow but it gives you a good idea of what you can do. Like glc, I would recommend Ubuntu. I've been using it over a year as my sole OS at home and absolutely love it. It does everything I need.

don't use a live cd unless it's for recovery purposes or to check somethning quick.

Otherwise just use an old computer or make another computer a dual boot

[GraemeM]

oh and as another Linux newb, just be prepared that Linux does not install as nicely as Windows. First distro I tried (Mandrake) wouldn't install, then Suse installed but wouldn't boot, for some reason I reinstalled Suse and it worked, but this time the graphics wouldn't work.

Also most Windows software does not work in Windows. If you're used to Windows, using Linux as your main desktop would be tough, although it works excellent for servers.

[faulkner132]

Originally Posted by GraemeM oh and as another Linux newb, just be prepared that Linux does not install as nicely as Windows. First distro I tried (Mandrake) wouldn't install, then Suse installed but wouldn't boot, for some reason I reinstalled Suse and it worked, but this time the graphics wouldn't work.

The Ubuntu install is easier than a Windows install.
I've done over 75 Windows installs and about 8 Ubuntu installs and Ubuntu is hands down the easiest. You can check out my guide for installing the latest version of Ubuntu if you want a walkthrough:
http://www.132solutions.com/ubuntu.php

[glc]

most Windows software does not work in Windows

LOL! Something to be said about that!

[Kareeser]

LOL Good catch.

Some programs have Linux equivalents, but about 99% of games never make it to Linux. There are games, but you just won't be playing them with friends with Windows

On the other hand, there are always Linux equivalents. OpenOffice instead of MS Office, a smattering of audio/video players instead of WMP... etc

[GraemeM]

Originally Posted by faulkner132 The Ubuntu install is easier than a Windows install. I've done over 75 Windows installs and about 8 Ubuntu installs and Ubuntu is hands down the easiest. You can check out my guide for installing the latest version of Ubuntu if you want a walkthrough: http://www.132solutions.com/ubuntu.php

I didn't say it was harder, just that installs generally don't work as nicely. They are more picky and somtimes require advanced configuration that the average user won't know.

[legend_018]

http://www.vmware.com/products/player/


you might be able to find a virtual linux server to check out maybe?

[ghost2003]

Originally Posted by GraemeM I didn't say it was harder, just that installs generally don't work as nicely. They are more picky and somtimes require advanced configuration that the average user won't know.

Thats why I would pick gentoo as my favorite linux, no installer (well, there is one now on a live disk but its not an installer per se )
And yes, VMware is a great idea. You can have many OS's on the same pc and run them without rebooting or partitioning.
You can also install cedega and brag to your friends that are using windows that your games run faster than theirs on linux (or so I hear)

[cuog]

Linux is challenging it takes patience. Think back to when you first started using computers. You are only slightly more prepared than that as you head into Linux. Never the less it is worth it. Also there is the fun in finding your favorite distro. For me Mandrake now Mandriva has always been my favorite with the exception that it never likes my sound cards. Damn Small Linux is a very nice LiveCD for portable uses since it required very few resources.

[rave]

hello. i have recently been running linux.... and to tell you the truth, if i can do it... you can. it doesnt take alot of intelligence but more of patience and the willingness to learn

i've been running Mandriva 2006 on my laptop and i like it.i havent switched to Windows in nearly a week. i have my bittorrent, my MSN, my Firefox, my music, my webserver…everything to make me happy. however its just not the same.

Things that annoy me the most on Linux are:

1. Quicktime and Windows streaming media in web browsers dont play out of the box
2. I still cant connect to my home networked printer
3. In Linux everything depends on something else and its a vicious circle (and gets extremely annoying)
4. Alternative free programs are just different. GIMP is nothing compared to Photoshop. and so is the case with OpenOffice compared to Microsoft Office.
5. Laptop battery management doesnt work

Would i switch back to Windows? maybe… when i have to get some real work done. and i would definately not recommend Linux to my friends that dont like computers as much as i do. its just not *there* yet. i know i sound kinda a drag... but thats how it really is to me. i will continue to stick to it cause i know its something valuable to know about and take advantage off. but the fact that your here in a PC forum means something so i think you SHOULD DEFINATELY TRY IT.

[mikeL]

I just switched from Slackware to SuSE 10.1, the ease of use is great, even for a beginner. the only difference your goning to have to get used to when switching from windows to linux is the file system, there are no drives in linux, it is all directories, that was my biggest hurdle.

As for software, Linux has applications equal to, or better than some windows programs.

I would use a live CD, and get the feel of linux, or toss a extra hard drive in a computer, and install linux on the drive, that way you won't mess up windows, (If your comfortable with installing linux)

Mike

[chuck4456]

I just got back to this. What luck! My nephew's old PC is getting ready to crash (bigtime) and I'm building him a new system. I can patch his old one up and use it! Linux hasn't been my first priority for the past few weeks - I've been doing Conroe research. Thanx for all of your suggestions, so far !