|
|
|
|
|
- don
|
Joined: 4/23/2009
Msg: 26 | |
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 7/26/2009 3:05:51 PM |
Thats not strictly true though is it.
If you talking about supporting customers then your having to do it here for free.
All these people with all these problems to do with Linux and you are supporting them.
So you get them into using linux and you support them in using it because they dont know how to use it, they dont know how to solve the problems themselves, that does not make a picture of the idelic OS you are trying to draw
Ubuntu Installation:
Depending on their computer speed, I could have them up & running in around a half an hour with all the commonly used software.
--On Xubuntu installs (less than 256mb ram computers) I sometimes needed to install the WiFi Card Driver for them
*Ubuntu supports many many Wifi Adapters by default (built into kernel) & drivers can also be added easily w/ndisgtk
For Updates:
I set the updates to install automatically w/out confirmation & they don't need to mess with it again
Optional- For Restricted(non-free) Multimedia:
(the following is not necessary, just nice to have)
- Adobe Flash Player
- VLC
- Restricted Formats (to play DVDs & restricted formats)
Optional-For Email on Computer (like Outlook/Outlook Express):
I set up their email in Evolution, just as easy as Outlook
With the above, they were good to go...didn't need me anymore. When they booted up, it just worked and they could do anything wanted
Additional Software:
If they wanted additional software, I installed that for them too & showed them the Synaptic Package Manager (easy software install manager)
I checked back with them a month later & they were good
Sometimes Power Users in Windows have a harder time with Ubuntu because they want to do more with it than the average user but don't want to google how to do the more advanced stuff
For surfing & general program use, Ubuntu is the way to go in my opinion & the more you want to learn the more it can do.
___________________________________________________________________
I also implemented a network for a senior center on old donated computers (64mb ram -> 512mb ram) with Linux Ubuntu & Xubuntu an it's been trouble free (w/the exception of a wireless issue on a machine w/128mb ram)
The seniors love it, I just put some icons on the desktop so they can just click & get what they want. (games, wordprocessor, browser, etc)
==============================
For people who are unsure if they will like it or are curious if it will work with their wifi adapter, download the Live CD....you can try Ubuntu without changing your computer (runs from cd & ram)
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LiveCD
Ubuntu LiveCDs let you run Ubuntu from a CD-ROM without needing to be installed permanently. LiveCDs are great for testing hardware, doing system recovery or showing new people Ubuntu. LiveCDs aren't so good for day-to-day use though, as they're slower and it's hard to keep settings between sessions.
| |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 7/26/2009 5:15:34 PM | Dude Do NOT TRY UBUNTU AT ALL.
I have Ubuntu and its a nightmare. My first problem I had was just installing it. I had 2 harddrives I put it on one Hard drive. And it wouldnt boot. After 3 hours I realised I had to change the boot order of my harddrives for it just to work. Like OMFG
Then try and emulate some programs using something called WINE . Is so FAIL nothing works I hate Ubuntu its so horrid to use unless you have a high tech skill. Programs like ventrilo do not even work. There is no linux ventirlo. Meh its just a nightmare.
I recommend commiting suicide before using it. Its truely that bad. | |
|
- don
|
Joined: 4/23/2009
Msg: 28 | |
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 7/27/2009 12:04:27 AM | Ubuntu IMO:
For people who want to do more with it than the average user, but don't like to read -or- google stuff....Ubuntu might not be right for you.
If you post things like "Like OMFG", Ubuntu is definitely not for you.
For surfing & general program use, Ubuntu is the way to go in my opinion
&
The more you want to learn the more you can do. (Ubuntu's capabilities grows with your knowledge of it)
Try it without committing to it:
For people who are unsure if they will like it or are curious if it will work with their wifi adapter, download the Live CD....you can try Ubuntu without changing your computer (runs from cd & ram)
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LiveCD
Any other questions you might have about Ubuntu or Linux, see:
http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/
http://whylinuxsucks.org/ | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 7/27/2009 5:26:03 AM | Ubuntu isn't all that bad, but I wouldn't call it ready for the masses just yet. You'll still be working in the Terminal quite a bit and searching for answers until you're settled.
WINE is great. I've yet to run into an application that WINE couldn't handle. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for games. That's not to say they don't work -- many do, but that they're often slow or require quit a bit of work and tweaking to get running properly. They keep an updated compatibility database you can refer to when needed.
It's definitely worth a shot, though. Hell, Ubuntu is free. Give it a try, you've nothing to lose. | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 7/27/2009 11:03:01 PM | Have you installed libdvdcss or libdvdcss2?
Check in the Package Manager and make sure at least one is installed. Your DVDs should play just fine - IF you have a computer (hardware) with enough memory and megahertz to do so in the first place. | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 7/28/2009 7:47:03 PM | I went from 6 to 9 as in Jaunty Jackalope....as in my server
I am having problems networking it with my vista and xp machines, plus I do coding on it,, server side pages and I want to be able to run it headless...I am running DCHP, I have several networks attached to it, can not network and do file sharing and forget my printer, no cups to install my windows printer ......PLUS, Firefox was messing up, had to get into it's properties pages.....All on Ubuntu 9.4 ..... | |
|
Sorg85
|
Joined: 2/22/2009
Msg: 32 | |
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 7/28/2009 11:02:54 PM | My experiences with Ubuntu have always been great. I like other distros too like gentoo, debian (yeah ubuntu is based off of debian..), fedora core, mandriva. But Ubuntu has always stuck out, I really like the forum community VERY helpful when I had a problem.
I might just go back to Ubuntu, if I had the drive to tweak pc games on wine. But in my eyes it's all trial and error, you'll only gain further experience if you mess up a little. | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 7/29/2009 1:05:26 AM | I found it to be rather tedious at first; in fact, thanks to my own stupidity, I screwed up my Windows partition and on my next attempt to install it I literally unplugged my primary hard drive and installed Ubuntu on my secondary drive. I was literally saying "Leave Windows alone!" Maybe it's just me, but I don't like having a boot loader installed on my Windows partition as I'm not so skilled with the recovery console if something screws up.
After that though, it was fun to play with. The thought of installing programs by command line feels pretty cool, but it does confuse me now and then.
If I could figure out how to install a few emulators, get around the stepmania glitches, and understand the OS in its entirety.. I might try to switch over again. | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 7/29/2009 5:30:25 AM | there you go -don lonelynow+then08 is one of those people who never need any support!
Best thing about Linux is the companies who use it and those IT pros who support it, they are on so much money because the network runs linux the total cost of ownership is higher for linux than it is for windows because the tech support is astronimical lol
Nice work if you can get it, hoping to get a piece of the linux pie myself, windows problems are out bread and butter, linux going wrong is our steak and chips :) | |
|
- don
|
Joined: 4/23/2009
Msg: 35 | |
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 7/29/2009 5:46:46 AM | You don't even need to open the command line, try the Synaptic Package Manager to get whatever software you want
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SynapticHowto
just pick out the apps you want & check the box...click "Apply".... & you're done
&
You can even use the Add/Remove SoftwareTool to Add & Remove Software
Both are easy as Windows, just point & click....software added
(FYI: Synaptic has a larger selection of software than Add/Remove) | |
|
- don
|
Joined: 4/23/2009
Msg: 36 | |
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 7/29/2009 6:50:44 AM |
there you go -don lonelynow+then08 is one of those people who never need any support!
Best thing about Linux is the companies who use it and those IT pros who support it, they are on so much money because the network runs linux the total cost of ownership is higher for linux than it is for windows because the tech support is astronimical lol
Nice work if you can get it, hoping to get a piece of the linux pie myself, windows problems are out bread and butter, linux going wrong is our steak and chips :)
There are some things you can't do very well with Windows (especially network security & high availability scenarios)
& If companies hire *nix Admins who don't know how to do their job, what are they paying them for and why would tech support be needed?
On the end-user side, Windows is the preferred OS and standard for business. So, yeah Server2k3/2k8 Admins are still in demand & need to renew their MCSE every few years & Windows OSs are always changing & updating b/c MS isn't built to last.
On the other hand, *nix Admins have a solid OS that doesn't change much & little training is needed to keep up & staying up to date on sec risks.
& Yeah, Linux/Unix problems tend to be big ones compared to Windows b/c *nix Servers are so heavily relied upon for uptime.
& IMO
Virtualization is becoming very big & as long as VMware/Xen can keep their platforms secure, downtime will be minimal (b/c portability & failover solutions will be seamless)
I checked up on the TCO Comparisons on google, I tried to be objective when looking through them & you can google it too if you want more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Windows_and_Linux
Windows dominates in the desktop and personal computer markets with about 90% of the desktop market share, and accounted for about 66% of all servers sold (not used) in the year 2007.In server revenue market share (2007Q4) Windows achieved 36.3% and Linux achieved 12.7%. As of June 2009, Linux powered 88.6% of the world's most powerful supercomputers, compared to Windows' 1.0%. In December 2008, Linux powered five of the ten most reliable internet hosting companies, compared to Windows' one.
----------------------------------------------------------
Linux's TCO not free but still impressive
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-1060248.html
"Takeaway: Determining Linux's total cost of ownership (TCO) isn't easy. A wide variety of factors (from hardware to support and server numbers) come into play. A recent study clearly indicates that it can be quite cost effective for some installations."
--------------------------------------------------------
http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:w1bbRri-eTwJ:www-1.ibm.com/linux/linuxvswindowstco.pdf+Linux+Administration+vs+Windows+Administration+cost&cd=8&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a
Total Cost of Ownership for Linux in the Enterprise
September 2002
22 Crescent Road
Westport, CT 06880
http://www.rfgonline.com
1. Executive Summary
Through numerous conversations with IT
executives, RFG learned that Linux server
deployments are well under way, in many cases
with notable cost savings from those
implementations. To further explore and quantify
this anecdotal evidence, RFG performed a total
cost of ownership (TCO) study to evaluate Linux
deployments in the enterprise. Survey participants
included mid- to large-sized companies, and of the
companies polled, 14 yielded relevant data sets
that were included in this study.
RFG found that Linux was the least expensive
platform to deploy and operate. Although some
initial costs were higher at points, the ability to
massively scale the product horizontally without
paying additional licensing fees can yield
significant cost savings over the long term.
&
Linux vs. Windows
Total Cost of Ownership Comparison
An examination of the purchase and total operational costs of
running an enterprise on Linux and Open Source software in
comparison to Microsoft's Windows computer system platforms
http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:cgaVxqIYL-YJ:www.cyber.com.au/about/linux_vs_windows_tco_comparison.pdf+LINUX+Windows+TCO&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a
| |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 9/9/2009 10:01:31 AM | If you don't have any interest in configuring your computer, learning about how hardware drivers and vendors work, and generally messing around with the nuts and bolts of your computer - No operating system will be easy to learn.
As far as I am able to tell, Ubuntu is pretty easy to pick up. I've done the hardcore bit (BSD, Linux From Scratch, shit like that) and these days I don't want to mess around with anything I don't really have to. For me, Ubuntu has been the most reliable at finding and setting up my equipment (I put 2009.04 on my laptop and it found -and configured- my wireless card automatically; other Linuxes that would require doing research and jumping through hoops).
For the average person, you're going to be missing the codecs you need to play your audio and video files. Don't worry -just click on them and the OS will figure out what needs to be downloaded, will ask for your permission, and then it'll download what you need. The worst thing is that you'll need to do this seperately for music and videos (two different things need to be installed).
I'm not sure how well you can honestly compare the office suite with MS-Office, esp Office 2007, so that's something you might want to give some consideration to.
However, Ubuntu has a large, friendly community at ubuntuforums.org -and most problems you encounter they will have encountered (and solved) themselves.
So, it's probably one of, if not THE easiest Linux out there right now -but if you hate and resent tinkering with your computer then just stick with what came pre-installed on it and forget Linux, Ubuntu and everything else. | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 9/9/2009 6:12:05 PM | If it wouldn't play your dvds, you probably didn't have the decrypting package dvdcss2 installed
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RestrictedFormats/PlayingDVDs | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 10/13/2009 2:53:37 PM | | ubuntu is not bad at all. take some getting used to though. I run it on its own partition. Its a lot easier than it used to be. If you are interested in Linux, ubuntu is the best start out with. | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 10/14/2009 7:51:38 PM | Ubuntu is an awesome OS IMHO. I love it.. My whole net work is *nix, all my systems are dual,triple and even quad booted with various combo's of M$ and *nix OSes. Wireless configuration seems to be the biggest issue but after a while its not really a problem. It seems most people complain about Command Line. My bet is most of the people that mutter about it have never seen a DOS prompt... I love the good old days of computing and running strictly from a prompt so much thats how i have a few of my systems set up! LOL I've revived quite a few old machines and put Puppy Linux or Damn Small Linux on them and gave them to families that wanted a PC but couldnt afford one.. Sure.. they cant play WoW on it but would not be able to even with windows! and the service calls or questions i get when it is from those individuals are very limited.. they are happy with the OS. You can't beat FreeNAS for building a NAS.. I built one out of a 450 mhz P2 system with software RAID and 8 drives in the machine, max cpu usage has been 27 % and down time is 0%.. it just sits there and runs headless 24/7 on 128 MB Ram been that way now for over a year without a reboot and stream music for me holds all my info and movies.. swwet setup.. check it out.. Linux will definately make serious inroads in the next 5-7 years i think.. people will warm up to it and more support will be provided.. i just hope it doesnt become the POS that M$ has put out.. Just my thoughts.. oh BTW.. M$ runs *nix servers themselves.. Happy computing! | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 10/15/2009 1:28:02 AM | Here are some youtube videos of some features in Ubuntu (& Other Linux Distros)...pretty impressive what it can do.
Transparent Desktop Cube Aquarium (with fish & dolphins swimming inside) AND Running Windows XP in a Virtual Machine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYAdJwHBawQ
Linux Ubuntu 9.0.4 & Compiz Effects (this one is pretty cool too):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN5VIVNSJ5I
Ubuntu 9.04 3D Desktop (the average computer can do this) :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6oX9mn2F20 | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 10/15/2009 7:13:12 AM | On the right hardware (ie stuff not specifically optimized for windows, or dependent on microsoft propriety), it is easy. However, if your computer is full of hardware with limited linux support, obviously, you will have some issues. It takes me far less time to get ubuntu up and running on my current laptop than windows xp. All of the windows support for my hardware is vista, and only about half of the onboard hardware has any xp support at all. Ubuntu has driver packs specifically for my computer, so I don't have to search, and then download the bloated ass drivers, I just get the driver pack, which ubuntu just 'knows' i need. Windows online driver search functionality, however, has never worked for anyone... ever.
Everyones mileage may vary, easy and difficult are very situation specific. | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 10/15/2009 7:39:15 AM | | I run Ubuntu on my laptop and desktop and love it on both. Been using it since it came out around 05 and have seen it progress so much. The only think I have that will not work on it is a skype box that is heavily dependent on windows software so you can't fault linux for the shortsighted hardware manfus. I have never had a unexplained crash with linux, when it does mess up it is something I did, not some freak "accident" like it is with windows. | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 10/15/2009 10:29:38 AM |
however, has never worked for anyone... ever.
Works for me, I've installed it on many different model desktops & Laptops for work & as favors.... sometimes I'll need a Wifi driver.
http://www.ubuntuhcl.org/
http://www.ubuntuhcl.org/other
http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/index.php
----------------------------------------------------------
https://hardware.redhat.com/
http://en.opensuse.org/Hardware
http://www.debianlinuxhcl.org/other
The only think I have that will not work on it is a skype box that is heavily dependent on windows software so you can't fault linux for the shortsighted hardware manfus.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype
http://www.skype.com/download/skype/linux/ | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 10/17/2009 11:02:31 AM | Ubuntu is fairly easy for people that have a history with computing, especially Unix. Ubuntu can look difficult for beginners, especially those who do not know Windows or Mac very well. Impatient people should stick to only the operating system they already are familiar with.
I use Ubuntu/Debian, CentOS/RHEL exclusively. I also use Windows XP/7/2003/2008. Both the family of Operating systems (GNU/Linux and Windows) does all I want.
Now, some detail. Linux was developed by a Finnish guy called Linus Trovalds. Linux was just a smart program that was generally used with other software such as a terminal (think of DOS screen, commands etc). People started to like the product and developed applications around Linux. Today, there are so many applications that Linux program (called Kernel) has become a full fledged operating system with icons and fancy windows etc - all of that is much better than Windows or Mac. Different people applied different application to Linux kernel and built their own new shiny Linux. To differentiate the program Linux and the full fledged new shiny Linux, the new shiny gets to be called GNU/Linux. Ubuntu is one such advanced GNU/Linux.
Installation of Ubuntu: Ubuntu is very easy to install. Beginners should be slighly careful and patient, and install it with an open mind. Ubuntu can be run directly from the CD or can be installed on to the computer from the CD. If you already have Windows, Ubuntu will guide you with options so that Windows will remain as it is and Ubuntu will be installed side by side. When you reboot, you would be asked to choose if you would like to boot Windows or Ubuntu. This is called Dual-booting. There are plenty of tutorials that help you. Type ubuntu installation guide in youtube's search to find ample videos. Get familiar with them so you know what to expect. I have a history of Unix and BSD behind me and therefore Ubuntu was a piece of cake. My friends who came from a strong Windows background found it a breeze installing Ubuntu. My clients, who were OK with computers, also had no trouble as long as I had someone there to help them guide through questions. So, my recommendation is that you should find someone who can assist you if you have questions. If you can install Windows independently from scratch, Ubuntu should be easy.
Adding new software: Ubuntu comes with a fantastic package manager called Synaptic. It makes installation of Adobe Flash, Java, etc very easy. It is mostly point-and-click, search, choose, Apply to get things installed. Now, is your quickbooks going to work with it? No. Is your photoshop going to work? No. So what good is Ubuntu? There is an application called WINE that allows you to run Windows-based programs (including games) within Ubuntu. There are tutorials on youtube for those as well. There are many applications that act as replacements to Windows applications. Instead of Photoshop, I use GIMP on Ubuntu. Intead of Quickbooks, I use GnuCash. Instead of iTunes, I use --nothing-- because I don't own an iPod and am not much of a music fan; but one could use Songbird or Rhythmbox.
Removing software: You can use the same Synaptic Package Manager to remove software.
There are more than 500 flavors of GNU/Linux. Ubuntu is one. KUbuntu is another. RedHat, CentOS, Debian, Slackware, Gentoo etc... are some others. I have worked with Slackware (a tough one for newbies) and Ubuntu (easy one for newbies). I like Ubuntu better for laptops and desktops because the company that makes/supports Ubuntu is doing development rapidly. On servers, Ubuntu server edition is great but in that regards, I prefer Slackware/Gentoo/CentOS or Debian. An interesting fact is that Ubuntu is derived from Debian distribution. CentOS is derived from RedHat Enterprise Linux. Just so you know...
I like Ubuntu because it provides you with a safer environment by default. My parents, who are Windows literate, can get in trouble by clicking on advertisements that could potentially install a malware. Under Ubuntu, I have no trouble even if they end up clicking on advertisements leading them to a malware-loaded site. Ubuntu is relatively virus-free. Ubuntu comes with Firefox as the standard browser, which does not support ActiveX. So that makes the browser a little more safer than the older versions of Internet Explorer that are installed by default on Windows using a 3-4 year old CD. Finding files is a lot easier with Ubuntu. There are tons of applications that new users find interesting. Math geeks like the fact that Chess is installed by default. There are many other benefits. You will just have to look up the web to get some more details.
Now, is Windows better or GNU/Linux (such as Ubuntu)? That entirely depends on the user, I think. While Ubuntu has its share of safety, power of Linux kernel and loads of other features, Windows has its good things too. There is absolutely nothing bad about Windows if a user knows how to handle it well.
I will, however, encourage you to try Ubuntu as long as you have someone to talk to regarding your questions. If you have friends or Linux User Group (google it for your area) who you can call when you need answers, you will enjoy the benefits of Ubuntu.
Enjoy. | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 11/9/2009 8:04:08 PM | Linux has come a long way... but it's still not ready for the "general public."
Linux users (myself included) boast about "freedom of choice" but the average user doesn't give a shit about choice. They want uncomplicated installs, ease of use and a platform that can run any program they want. That simply isn't Linux - Ubuntu included sadly.
I would never suggest to an "average user" to install and use Ubuntu. Not because I'm pro-MS but because I know it'll just turn into a convoluted nightmare for them in the long run.
Ubuntu is marvellous, but not yet ready for the everyday user. | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 11/9/2009 11:01:12 PM | Dude Do NOT TRY UBUNTU AT ALL.
I have Ubuntu and its a nightmare. My first problem I had was just installing it. I had 2 harddrives I put it on one Hard drive. And it wouldnt boot. After 3 hours I realised I had to change the boot order of my harddrives for it just to work. Like OMFG
Then try and emulate some programs using something called WINE . Is so FAIL nothing works I hate Ubuntu its so horrid to use unless you have a high tech skill. Programs like ventrilo do not even work. There is no linux ventirlo. Meh its just a nightmare.
I recommend commiting suicide before using it. Its truely that bad.
This cannot be overemphasized.
Is so FAIL nothing works I hate Ubuntu its so horrid to use unless you have a high tech skill.
I have never ever in my Life ever wasted more Time trying to set up any flavour of Linux than even the worst Headache with Windows. Furthermore, every imaginable Piece of Software is grossly inferior compared to what is available for Windows, endless Harrassments for a Variety of Permissions, Hardwares that do not function properly, psychotic Directory Structures, Bootloader Issues, Solutions which require Tons of Code only God knows what it is pasted into Terminal Windows instead of checkboxing Settings, ad infinitum.
I don't think I ever got done fixing the endless Plethora of Bugs that presented themselves.
What a beautiful Swan Song is presented here about Linux ... any ordinary User should actually go to any of the Linux Forums and read up on all the Bugs people are having, and esp. those Threads that go unanswered for Weeks if not Months and see if that all makes any sense to you. If it does, then by all Means install it. If you have 1,000's of Hours to commit for a Linux Learning Curve Hobby, then by all Means go for it.
Better than 70% of Clients at one Time requested Linux be removed after only 1 Week from their Computers and Windows re-installed even when Linux seemed to be working fine.
It'll be at least another Decade before it even remotely approximates the Status of "User Friendly". | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 11/10/2009 7:37:59 AM |
I have never ever in my Life ever wasted more Time trying to set up any flavour of Linux than even the worst Headache with Windows. Furthermore, every imaginable Piece of Software is grossly inferior compared to what is available for Windows, endless Harrassments for a Variety of Permissions, Hardwares that do not function properly, psychotic Directory Structures, Bootloader Issues, Solutions which require Tons of Code only God knows what it is pasted into Terminal Windows instead of checkboxing Settings, ad infinitum.
Ubuntu (like several other distributions of Linux) has a 'Live CD' and 'Live USB' version that allows people to try it without committing to it.
"A live CD or live DVD is a CD or DVD containing a bootable computer operating system. Live CDs are unique in that they have the ability to run a complete, modern operating system on a computer lacking mutable secondary storage, such as a hard disk drive. Live USB flash drives are similar to live CDs, but often have the added functionality of automatically and transparently writing changes back to their bootable medium."
-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_CD
Not sure what version you tried but versions 8.04-9.10 have come a long way in terms of being user-friendly and all versions except the newest one are pretty stable with few bugs.
I think you will find that the 'Ubuntu Forums' today are a lot more responsive than when you were there because when I have ever been there replying to questions, there are usually a few replies to a new thread before I can press the submit button (but I'm a slow typer)
For me, the Grub Bootloader is pretty stable & reliable until I start trying to boot more than 3 OSes on 1 HDD, then I usually need to manually repair/edit the config files.
OEM Ubuntu v8.04 also comes on new Dells and I've heard great things about it from 'non-techie' people.
I've also heard a lot of complaints from Windows Power-User type people because it is so different than what they are used to at the Administration level.
With the 'Live CD/USB' as an option, I don't see any reason why people should avoid trying it.
It also appears that Microsoft has finally stepped up to the plate and is taking security more seriously so maybe there is less of a benefit for using Linux. | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 11/10/2009 8:50:51 AM | Computers are very like cars. There are 2 types of cars.
1) There is the mechanical approach, where you get a car that is quite simple and ingenious in design. You can fix it and customise it yourself, quite easily. But you need to read up on it on how to fix it. But, if you take it to a mechanic, he'll say that he doesn't generally deal with those cars, and if he would fix it, it would cost a lot to get it done.
2) There is the automated approach, where you get a car from a car showroom, that is all gleaming, and works when you take it for a test drive. But after a few months, it stops working. When you attempt to fix it, the inside has a label that says that if you open it up, you break the warranty. Even if you do, it's designed as a complete unit, that is a nightmare to fix yourself. If you take it to a mechanic, he'll say that it will require a whole new engine, and will cost a ton of money for a whole new engine.
If you have a lot of money but you don't want to learn anything about cars, then you get the automated car, and when something goes wrong, you pay the mechanic to fit a new engine.
If you have little money but don't mind spending the effort reading up on how cars work and fixing it yourself, then when you get the mechanical car, and when something goes wrong, you fix it yourself.
The mechanical design where you fix it yourself is the linux type of car.
The automated design where you pay to have it fixed is the Windows type of car.
It's that simple. You choose how to maintain your car, or your operating system, and you pick the one that suits you the best. | |
|
| Ubuntu Linux.....Easy -or- Difficult ?
Posted: 11/11/2009 8:06:04 AM | Linux is for the hobbiest, not the average every day user.
Until you can truly plug and play your devices without having to spend hours trying to figure out how to install them - Linux will fail in terms of garning market share.
Out-of-the-box you can browse the web, check email, chat through IM, use Open Office, mess around in Gimp, and a few other things with Ubuntu (or most linux distros) - but - try to install the drivers for your vid card, install your printer, get wireless to work, watch a DVD, play your favorite MMO, etc and you'll find that you're in for a world of headache and frustration.
Secondly, I don't care what anyone says - the "free" programs you can get with Linux are NOT as good, stable, reliable as their store bought counterparts. You can't tell me, with a straight face, that Open Office is any where near as powerful as Office 2007 - or for that matter - Gimp is anywhere near as good as Photoshop. WMP and Quicktime are still superior to Mplayer, Movieplayer, et al.
I've used Debian, I use Ubuntu on a regular basis, and while I would love to rid my computer(s) of that 2 gig virus called Windows it ain't gonna happen any time soon. Not until *I* can pop in a CD, install EQ II or EVE and play it without having to spend two weeks tweeking this and tweeking that.
Windows is currently the OS for the computer user. Linux is the OS for the computer hobbiest.
It'll be a while, a long while, before Linux really and truly takes to the mainstream.
It's not user friendly. Keep in mind that people who typically tout how "user friendly" it is are people who've used some distrobution of linux for many years, or users you employ their computer for no other purpose than to browse the web and or check email.
I believe that the developers for linux based programs (and various distrobutions) write their code while thinking like a linux user and not a windows user. | |
|
|
|
Home
login 
