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Opinions wanted as to Linux on home computer

Posted on 07/26/2004 9:07:32 AM PDT by job

I downloaded Red Hat version of Linux last night. I am having trouble even get started installing the software. Before I invest any more time, is it worth me installing Linux on my home computer? I do not write my own software. However, I am attracted that the system is free, and the applicable software is cheap Lindows office, $29.

I would like your thoughts. Also, will all my Windows based software work with Linux?


TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: computer; linux
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1 posted on 07/26/2004 9:07:35 AM PDT by job
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To: job

Fine if you want a hobby;
not ready for prime time if you use a computer as a tool.


2 posted on 07/26/2004 9:10:28 AM PDT by Redbob
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To: job

I have never used Linux, but know that expert opinion is to the effect that it has won a niche in the server market and some specialized applications, but is still a hard stretch for PC use.


3 posted on 07/26/2004 9:13:53 AM PDT by Rockingham
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To: Redbob
We have racks of Linux servers. But we use Windoze on our desktops.

I first ran across Linux in 1991 and know a great deal about it. But would not use it exclusively on a desktop. Not yet.

4 posted on 07/26/2004 9:14:45 AM PDT by isthisnickcool (Strategery - "W" plays poker with one hand and chess with the other.)
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To: job

I kept my machine as a dual boot for a while. I really like Linux, but you have to be prepared to spend a lot of time fussing with it. There was a part of me that loved fussing with it...but then I'd need something done in a hurry, and I didn't know how, and I had to climb up that learning curve one more time.


5 posted on 07/26/2004 9:15:15 AM PDT by prion (Yes, as a matter of fact, I AM the spelling police)
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To: job

www.lindows.com...smooth as silk


6 posted on 07/26/2004 9:16:17 AM PDT by mo
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To: job

I use the Suse version of Linux which co-habitates well with the Windows operating systems.

http://www.suse.com/us/


7 posted on 07/26/2004 9:17:28 AM PDT by chuckr
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To: job

You might do better with Mandrake. We had my daughter (17 yrs old) using it for several months, and she did just fine. I think the install is fairly simple as well. I don't recall if she or my husband installed it though.
I used SUSE a couple of years ago on my "office" machine, and it was pretty easy to use. I'd almost run it again just for the linux penguin version of Mr. Potato Head ;^)


8 posted on 07/26/2004 9:17:57 AM PDT by visualops
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To: job

Mandrake 10 or 9 are easy installs - and as always redhat. Most of the other distros are derivatives of redhat. I just got RH ES - ill be installing that this weekend.

Download the boot cd from mandrake and check out it out with out installing it


9 posted on 07/26/2004 9:19:39 AM PDT by ezo4
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To: rdb3

Ping


10 posted on 07/26/2004 9:19:47 AM PDT by Fiddlstix (This Tagline for sale. (Presented by TagLines R US))
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To: chuckr; job

The SUSE did work great as dual-boot.

job, your Windows software won't run on Linux unless you use WINE.
There is a linux equivalent for alot of stuff, but if you are big into gaming forget it.
At this point linux is best as a desktop if you're just doing internet & office work.


11 posted on 07/26/2004 9:22:28 AM PDT by visualops
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To: job

It works great and is solid. But like Apple, don't expect to find a lot of software, and you may also have problems finding all the drivers to make your equipment compatible. It is a very slow drip from the technology faucets...


12 posted on 07/26/2004 9:23:51 AM PDT by TommyDale ("We're going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good." --Hillary Clinton)
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To: job

Don't use it on your primary home system unless (a) you know what you're doing (b) you have a lot of time for twiddling.

I've used it off-and-on as dual-boot (and VMWare) for years, because there are a lot of good technical network tools.

But for day-to-day home use you might best stick to Windoze.

Or run it on a second home system if you're just getting up to speed on Linux (one of its virtues is that it's less demanding than Windoze, so you can run it on cheaper, secondhand gear).


13 posted on 07/26/2004 9:26:06 AM PDT by angkor
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To: job
Your best bet is to start off with Knoppix, which boots from CD and automatically detects and configures hardware.

You don't actually install it to your hard drive, though you can if you decide you like it.

Knoppix finds and installs hardware modems, but does not work with Winmodems. If you have broadband, it should find your network card without a problem.

The only way to know if Linux is appropriate for YOU is for YOU to actually try it, rather than listening to people with one agenda or another.

14 posted on 07/26/2004 9:26:20 AM PDT by E. Pluribus Unum (Drug prohibition laws help fund terrorism.)
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To: Redbob
if you use a computer as a tool.

I disagree. I have these tools running all over the place. And they work far better than windows these days for actually "doing work". They just dont have the little entertainment features like latest vid codecs and the cool apps that come out for ms stuff.

I would highly recommend people getting to know this now. Things are a changing fast.

from a former MS employee for a years and years. :o)
15 posted on 07/26/2004 9:27:20 AM PDT by ezo4
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To: job

I installed Linux Mandrake 9.1 on a computer I bought without an operating system. It was slow and buggy. When I removed it, using the instructions from the Linux website, my HDD went belly up. The HDD manufacturer (Sony) says removing Linux voided the HDD waranty.

I bought Windows ME on Ebay for the same price I paid for Linux. Windows is lightyears ahead of Linux! IMHO.


16 posted on 07/26/2004 9:27:24 AM PDT by mugs99 (Restore the Constitution)
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To: job

It doesn't sound like you really know what you are doing.

Windows software can work under Linux using WINE, which emulates windows for the software. However, it can be very tricky to set up.

You really won't need any Windows software to do everyday computing. Most distros come with almost any software you would need. Openoffice.org gives a complete office suite, Mozilla or Firefox browsers for net surfing and there are several e-mail programs. There are only a few commercial games available for Linux, although most distros come with a ton of simple timewasters.

Set up your system dual boot or dedicate an older system to experiment with.

Windows is still a better option for the typical home user since most commercial software is Windows-only. Linux will work very well if you need a powerful server or an inexpensive box for web browsing and word processing.


17 posted on 07/26/2004 9:28:10 AM PDT by MediaMole (Microsoft math: 1 inch = 2.4 centimeters)
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To: mugs99

partition magic is your friend - for easy formats. Would have saved your drive in a few clicks


18 posted on 07/26/2004 9:28:55 AM PDT by ezo4
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To: job
it depends greatly upon what you use your computer for. As others have said on this thread, if you do lots of hardcore gaming, you will probably need to keep a dual-boot situation for that.

If you use it for doing graphics, office-type stuff and internet, you may well find it to be a godsend to keep from having to deal with the virus windows of the day. If you want servers for stuff like webpages, or audio linux can do more than you can shake a stick at.

Some stuff that should be easy though, are not. Take printing for example. If you want to set up a local printer, no problem. Attaching to network printers isn't much trouble either. However, if you want to share your local printer with others on your local network, it's a PITA.

As far as your windows programs go, Linux will run windows programs under WINE, but unless you just really need to run the windows program, you're better off using the Linux equivalents. StarOffice is an excellent replacement for microsoft office, with the exception of ms project and visio.

If you use your computer for managing your personal finances, GnuCash is bloody awesome. With linux you have a choice of many different versions of software for many things. It might take a while for you to figure out exactly what you want, and what works best for you, but the time invested is better for you in the long run IMO, as once you learn how things work and have your system set up correctly, your system will run for quite a while without banging your head up against walls quite as much as you are probably used to.

One of the things that will keep me from ever using ms windows again is that I just can't use a computer anymore without having multiple desktops. I normally run with 8 separate desktops, each containing specfic programs so I always know where to find them. Given the type of support work I do, working within the limitations of windows would slow me down so much it just isn't even worth thinking about.

19 posted on 07/26/2004 9:42:18 AM PDT by zeugma (The Great Experiment is over.)
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To: prion
I kept my machine as a dual boot for a while.

Is it pretty easy to set up a dual boot? I was going to set up a partition on a hard drive with linux, but haven't looked into what was involved with doing that. I'm thinking that I only need to set aside a few GBs on the hard drive for linux?

20 posted on 07/26/2004 9:46:22 AM PDT by Chesterbelloc
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