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What’s this "Linux" thing and why should i try it?

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Armando:
 ;D

wreckedcarzz:
Ubuntu is nice if you don't need to do anything special, but as soon as you do, you're back to opening terminals and hand-editing config files. Last time I checked, things like installing Java, decent video drivers, and getting multi-monitor support were to be considered special ;)
-f0dder (March 19, 2008, 04:55 AM)
--- End quote ---

Yes, I had to reformat my Xubuntu install because of a bad video card setup (the built in drivers fscked up) and after reinstalling, reconfiguring and getting all my files back on the partition, I had to use the RECOVERY CONSOLE to login as root to install my ATI drivers. Most idiotic process I have ever seen.

Although, my Java install was quite easy...

Stoic Joker:
Actually my intent was to go with the Baptism-by-Fire concept ... Which makes Slackware an ideal choice. To that end, I've had quite a bit of fun with it (swearing included...). I just need to get the sound working and it will be completely functional.
-Stoic Joker (March 27, 2008, 06:15 AM)
--- End quote ---

Stoic Joker:
Remember to add yourself to the "Audio" group (I assume you've already installed OSS and/or Alsa)
In fact, while you're at it, check to see what groups you may or may not or should be part of.

I'm a former Slackware victi... uh, user. I've still got a few tricks up my sleeve...
-Edvard (March 27, 2008, 02:14 PM)
--- End quote ---
You assume correctly. I'm running it in Virtual PC so the sound card is a SB16, pkgtool says that OSS is installed, and I've been playing with Alsa for hours... *Sigh*

I'm currently logging in as root *haven't got to the user account setup stage yet) which I assume should have audio privledges.

When I load KDE sound tries to initialize, but some times throws a Sound Service killed/is hogging the CPU error (or something to that effect)... but the host machine (Vista x64) never showes even moderate CPU usage. My current theory (which I haven't had time to test) is that perhaps I needed to install the huge.S kernel as I'm still using the basic kernel that the setup said I could/should continue using because it had worked ok so far... *Shrug* Does that sound like a viable solution? Or am I totally off my nut?

Edvard:
Response in PM in an attempt to keep this on-topic :)

I first tried linux because I realized how much more money I was going to have to spend if I was going to continue with Microsoft. If I had the money, I'd be throwing it at every Linux developer I could, but I don't, and I can do without Microsoft checking my pockets for holes.

Besides, as the folks at CrunchGear recently said, Linux is FUN...
Linux is fun to learn. It’s a challenge and amazingly easy and ugly and beautiful at the same time. Linux is like turning on your first computer and figuring out what all those weird boxes did. Once you figure out all the secrets, I’d say Linux offers a greater power-user satisfaction than XP, as a whole. Exploring Linux is fun. Exploring XP is a dummies book.
--- End quote ---

MatthewSchenker:
Good Afternoon,
This is a big subject for me.

Back in summer through winter of 2007, I was really getting big into Linux.  I tried out several versions, and liked Kubuntu most.  You can see my posts (under the same name I use here) all over the Kubuntu forum.

Over the first few weeks, I was in love with the whole Linux concept.  I became a big fan of the KDE system  -- its speed, the simplicity of the overall design of the operating system itself, the terrific repository system, and the helpful user community that was always there to help me.  Little by little, I switched over to Linux full time.  I wiped Windows off my desktop and laptop and was in bliss for a while.  I was downloading all those terrific free applications, and had my desktop all set up beautifully.

Then one day I needed to set up a wireless network, and the trouble began.  I simply could not get my laptop and my desktop to see each other.  I logged in hours and hours chasing down every hint and lead and suggestion from all the gurus on the Kubuntu site.  They made an honest effort to help me, but it just didn't work.  It seems like such a simple thing, but no go on this.

But I was so happy with Linux, I thought I would just live without wireless file sharing.  No big deal.

Well, then one day my old Canon scanner broke.  I figured, no big deal, I'll just buy a new one.  Well, I bought and returned three scanners, and not one of them would work with Linux.  Each one had a different problem, but the important thing is they would not scan.  I edited countless lines in the Linux files, downloaded drivers, and did all kinds of under-the-hood tinkering, and once in a while I could almost make the scanner work.  I bought an HP all-in-one (because everyone says HP works well with Linux), and it wouldn't work.  Again, hours and hours logged into the Linux forums for help.

I can live without a wireless network, but I can't live without a printer.

Finally, I realized I was losing way too much time trying to get basic hardware working properly.  With a heavy heart, I had to restore Windows to my laptop, and I purchased a new dsesktop with Windows Vista.  It hurt, but I had to do it.

Bottom line: I really really really would like to ditch Windows.  I love the way Linux works, when I'm running the operating system and software within the repository.  But you really hit a lot of potholes when you venture out just a bit.

So now I am using Windows Vista.  Not because I like it better, but simply because more hardware drivers work with it.

My hope is that one day soon, Linux developers will get over the last couple of hurdles, then I'll switch to Linux and never go back.

Matt

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