Have you ever installed linux or do you use it?

[FutureBillionaire]

I'm wondering if we have any linux users here. I was just thinking about installing Ubuntu, but I don't think it's worth the learning curve. Just a waste of time.

[yasi_joy]

its a great program ,,it rarely gets any virus,,bUTT most people use microsoft,,then ur liinux will have trouble reading microsoft related programs,,on the othey hand its freesoftware n i think you can download it online ..

[Scott]

Not to be too much of a fanboy, but I honestly believe that if you have very much technology skill at all, the learning curve is very much worth it.

I grew up using Windows XP (and Windows 95 before that). To be honest, I loved it. I loved how XP was seemingly so simple to use yet had very powerful features that you could discover if you really needed them. I loved how *gasp* it could go, like, a week without needing to be rebooted! (As long as it was spyware-free, which was easy to do as long as I ran scans on a regular basis).

At the same time, I was beginning to experiment with this weird thing called Linux - I believe Mandrake 7.2 was my first foray into that realm. I had heard that Mandrake was a good distro for beginners (it was... sort of) and wanted to try it out just for S's and G's. To make a long story short, that didn't go over so well (with me, or with my parents, because the only computer I had access to was the family one).

Fast forward a couple of years later, when I owned my own (Windows XP) computer - and boy, was it wonderful. Same anti-spyware stuff, but with an added firewall and a really cool GUI-decoration program (WindowBlinds, I think). It rocked... or so I thought.

Then I landed my first summer job working with Linux Redhat (RHEL 4), and with my newfound experience, once again tried my hand with Linux at home. This time, it was Xandros 3.0 - and I knew there was no going back.

Nowadays, I use Gentoo (definitely not recommended for beginners). No anti-spyware (it doesn't need it), XGL/Compiz (looks better than WindowBlinds ever did), and I can update without even rebooting! I probably reboot about once a month, but I know some people go far longer than that.

So, rambling aside, at least give Linux a shot. A 30-day trial, if nothing else. You won't regret it, and I'm confident that the knowledgeable people in these forums will help you every step of the way.

[child]

I am just a normal desktop user and i am using Debian Linux for two years (though Ubuntu linux is recommended for beginners.)


It is a little harder when you first begin but daily maintanance is a lot easier than windows. Learning curve is - well it depends but - like a week to a month. You will have many similar programs like Firefox, Openoffice suite (Like MS office, word excel etc) and many multimedia software.

In windows if you have a problem in your system you wont have a solution (you usually have to reinstall the whole system), in Linux you always have a solution and usually with a lot of alternatives. Irony is that this makes Linux a little harder for avarage user.

[scottyp]

Ubuntu is quite easy to learn. There are many online resources for it as well. The only thing keeping me from using Linux all the time is the fact that it is lacking in music/video editing software, which I use very often (there are some available but it is lacking in features/interface). Ubuntu is more than sufficient for any office/web work though.

[geekchic9]

I'm using Ubuntu Linux right now, and there isn't much of a learning curve at all compared to other Linux distributions, IMO. Plus, the community is great; you can ask all of your questions for free at Ubuntu Forums and have quick responses from people who use Ubuntu.

With the latest version of Ubuntu, you can try it out without installing anything on your computer. That way, you can see if it can detect all your hardware and run on your system before installing it. Give it a try before you judge it--you may actually enjoy it.

[Baltar]

I installed SUSE on a server PC recently and liked it quite a bit. I'm not using Linux on my primary computer yet, but I decided to switch to it as my main OS when I build my next PC (which is soon). I've been using Windows since version 3.1, and up until Windows 2000 (which I'm still using) they've made significant improvements to it. After that it's been going downhill. Luckily Linux is now a very viable alternative to Windows as a desktop OS (compared to 5 years ago) and I've been very impressed with it.

You can by the way try a live CD of various distros, but there are a few that are specifically designed as live CDs. I've tried Knoppix and Mepis. I think Mepis had better hardware compatibility. Either way, just burn the ISO to a CD, set your BIOS to boot from the CD and you can check out Linux without installing it.

[poisian]

Originally Posted by Scott

Not to be too much of a fanboy, but I honestly believe that if you have very much technology skill at all, the learning curve is very much worth it.

I grew up using Windows XP (and Windows 95 before that). To be honest, I loved it. I loved how XP was seemingly so simple to use yet had very powerful features that you could discover if you really needed them. I loved how *gasp* it could go, like, a week without needing to be rebooted! (As long as it was spyware-free, which was easy to do as long as I ran scans on a regular basis).

At the same time, I was beginning to experiment with this weird thing called Linux - I believe Mandrake 7.2 was my first foray into that realm. I had heard that Mandrake was a good distro for beginners (it was... sort of) and wanted to try it out just for S's and G's. To make a long story short, that didn't go over so well (with me, or with my parents, because the only computer I had access to was the family one).

Fast forward a couple of years later, when I owned my own (Windows XP) computer - and boy, was it wonderful. Same anti-spyware stuff, but with an added firewall and a really cool GUI-decoration program (WindowBlinds, I think). It rocked... or so I thought.

Then I landed my first summer job working with Linux Redhat (RHEL 4), and with my newfound experience, once again tried my hand with Linux at home. This time, it was Xandros 3.0 - and I knew there was no going back.

Nowadays, I use Gentoo (definitely not recommended for beginners). No anti-spyware (it doesn't need it), XGL/Compiz (looks better than WindowBlinds ever did), and I can update without even rebooting! I probably reboot about once a month, but I know some people go far longer than that.

So, rambling aside, at least give Linux a shot. A 30-day trial, if nothing else. You won't regret it, and I'm confident that the knowledgeable people in these forums will help you every step of the way.

I've been working with Ubuntu recently and trying to break into Linux. But I have read some not-so-good things about Ubuntu and I am not sure this is where I want to begin with Linux.

As a knowledgeable Linux user, what distribution would you recommend for a beginner?

[ChefSalad]

I'm not sure what I'd recommend for newbs other than Ubuntu. While I have no experience with Ubuntu, from what I understand, it's quite easy to use graphically, and instills good practices early (like never logging in as root (Ubuntu has root logins disabled by default, which is not the norm, but is a sensible default for people new to Linux.)). Personally, I'm a hardcore Gentoo user. If it's not Gentoo, then I'm on FreeBSD (I know it's not Linux).

I'm an expert at Linux (nearly all aspects (well, I'm sure there are a few things I could stand to know better, especially in the programming world, but for most server and home use, I have it down)). I have done most everything most anyone would ever want to do in Linux, and if I haven't done it, I'm confident that I could jump right in and get working as quick as anyone else. Strangely, I don't use Linux as my desktop platform. I've found that while Linux is fine for server use, editing and playing movies and sound, light graphics editing, general web browsing, and general office use, it fails in two primary ways. It doesn't (really) do games (well) and it doesn't run my business administration software. I could get the games I like to run under Wine if I wanted to (it's just Counter-Strike Source and Starcraft, really), but the business software seems to be a no go, which is a show-stopper for me. Maybe someday.

Anywho, now that I've flopped myself on the table, I suppose I should give an educated recommendation. I'd say to try Knoppix or SimplyMEPIS for a while. Just run it off the CD. After you get comfortable doing most things (like videos, music, web browsing, office work, perhaps a bit of printing), install a more Desktop-y distro. I recommend Debian for those who are uncomfortable with the command line (and Gentoo for those who are comfortable with the command line). I do so for several reasons. First, Debian is compatible. Programs and blobs compiled for other distros usually run fine on Debian, while they are problematic on other distros like Fedora and Ubuntu. Second, Debian has up-to-date packages for nearly every piece of Linux software out there. This is good. Third, the updater for Debian is very easy to use and well documented. Forth, Debian will force you to use the command line, even if just for a little while, since it's command line utilities are better documented and more often referenced than it's GUI tools. This is a good thing. The command line is your friend. Fifth, a lot of really smart people use Debian, which means that a lot of really smart people will be willing to help you. There aren't so many experts using other distros, which puts newbs at a disadvantage when using them.

The real question is, "Should you listen to me if you are new to Linux?" The truthful answer is, "Probably not." While I may be an expert user, I'm not new to Linux. My initial Linux experience was over eight years ago, with most of the real learning six years ago. At that time, the only distribution choices were Red Hat, Slackware and Debian. I tried all three, then FreeBSD, then Linux From Scratch, and finally Gentoo (which was fairly new at the time I first tried it). Most of the distros that new users would be most comfortable with, I've never used, and the ones I have used, I last used quite long ago or only for a day or two (I used Debian, Knoppix and Fedora somewhat recently, though. Knoppix is incredibly valuable, and I use it all the time as a Windows rescue tool among other things.). The real people whose advice you should be soliciting is non-expert users who were new not too long ago. They will be the ones who have the recent experience in learning Linux that will be able to tell you which current distros facilitate learning and which ones don't. I can't really do that.

Oh, and on top of all that, I do have one final recommendation. At some point in the future, after you're somewhat comfortable in your daily tasks, break out a crappy old computer and do Linux From Scratch on it. It will produce a usable system completely from scratch, and it'll give you an in depth knowledge of how Linux works. It's very enlightening and will help you immensely. I wouldn't try it as your first system, though. If I remember correctly, it was my fourth system, and the first that was able to access the Internet and use X.

[DerekNewland]

Hi, I use Ubuntu every day. For work, play, and anything else I happen to get into. It takes getting used to. But I have never encountered a problem that can't be fixed. If you get stuck there are always great forums and wiki's. I recommend Ubuntu:Edgy - for the latest Ubuntu release.

[moltar]

If you want to make the jump, just make a list of the software you use daily and can't live without. Find alternatives for Linux, and go ahead and install a copy as a secondary system, play around and if you like it, ditch the Windows.

I've tried switching to Linux twice, and both times returned to Windows. I just couldn't find replacement for two programs that I can't live without.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by ChefSalad

At some point in the future, after you're somewhat comfortable in your daily tasks, break out a crappy old computer and do Linux From Scratch on it. It will produce a usable system completely from scratch, and it'll give you an in depth knowledge of how Linux works.

I'm going to strongly consider doing that for my next computer. After successfully installing and maintaining Gentoo, I feel I'm up to the challenge.

Originally Posted by poisian

I've been working with Ubuntu recently and trying to break into Linux. But I have read some not-so-good things about Ubuntu and I am not sure this is where I want to begin with Linux.

As a knowledgeable Linux user, what distribution would you recommend for a beginner?

Really? I'm curious - what "not-so-good things" have you heard? I've never used Ubuntu personally, but I don't recall hearing anything but the best. Even some of the most knowledgeable people I know use it, even though it is mostly meant for newbies.

Aside from that, my personal recommendation would be Xandros (it's a company, but there is a free version of the OS). Xandros was my first successful attempt at running a non-Windows system. Once I got good and tried to tweak things, it didn't work so well, though; as a result, I wouldn't recommend it on a system that you aren't going to want to reinstall later. If you want to break out of the Debian base entirely, try Mandriva. There are others, of course, but both of these are fairly popular distros which will offer support if you run into trouble.

Originally Posted by moltar

If you want to make the jump, just make a list of the software you use daily and can't live without. Find alternatives for Linux, and go ahead and install a copy as a secondary system, play around and if you like it, ditch the Windows.

I've tried switching to Linux twice, and both times returned to Windows. I just couldn't find replacement for two programs that I can't live without.

Excellent idea. It's best to try out a live CD if you're not sure. What programs were you unable to find replacements for? You probably just weren't looking hard enough.

[Lucas]

I did a 30 day trial in June to not only try Ubuntu, but to immerse myself in it, and avoid "dual boot syndrome", you know the "Yeah, I dual boot windows and linux...but mainly I just use Windows". I figured there was no way to learn except immersion...which is what I did when I learned DOS when I was 11. There was C prompt, and I had a manual of commands, and threw commands at it for a month.

Anyway, that was June, and I still run Ubuntu...I love it. But it isn't for everyone. It's definitely not for hardcore gamers. I myself am a console gamers, so no loss there. It's not quite there in terms of Video Editing, though Audio Editing is pretty decent.

If you run full $2k suites of professional software, like CS2, Premiere Pro, or Flash, then it isn't for you.

It is getting there though, but if you want to do your daily computing tasks, in a stable, low maintainence, free (as in price and open source), easy to use, customizable environment. Give it a spin.

For me, who is a slightly above average computer user, the learning curve was 2 weeks...now i can do a ton of stuff, as well as basic troubleshooting.

[gberardi]

I also started with Mandrake (maybe v6 or v7), and I eventually found myself rebooting back into Windows. Eventually I found an old machine, put a very stripped down version of Debian Potato on it, and used it in my spare time. I could still use Windows, but I learned how to use the command line on my Debian machine, which helped me figure out how to use Unix systems in general. Anytime I needed an applications, I found out what it was, installed it, and ran it. For a long time, I knew exactly what was on my system, which was a good feeling.

That was a number of years ago. I now use Debian Testing as my main desktop, and I only use Windows for games that don't have a port. I find myself incredibly restricted when using Windows now. It's like reading choose-your-own-adventure books all your life, and then going to a linear novel.

For a first try, check out Kubuntu or Knoppix, which both have Live CD versions. As ChefSalad said above, they run off the CD so you don't need to install them. Just keep in mind that running off the CD will be slow, especially for loading big applications.

Afterwards, you can either dive in with a ready-to-run distro, or you can do what I did and start from a stripped down distro. Learn the basic commands, find out what applications do what you want to do, and you'll eventually learn how to do things. Or, if you just want something that "just works", go ahead and install a basic desktop distributions. PCLinuxOS is one that gets suggested a lot.

Just keep in mind that it isn't really difficult. It's just different. I remember learning how to use Windows 95 when my last computer was an Apple II c+. I deleted files instead of uninstalling programs, and I did a lot of things that I would cringe at if someone told me that they just did it today. You'll figure it out easily enough if you give it the time a new skill deserves.

[aussieNickuss]

I tried Ubuntu once a month or two ago. I wouldn't use it as a main machine becuase it is just not what I;m used to but it might be worth a try.

Its good if your handing down a computer to somebody but dont want to give it to them without any functionality.

Like I say to everybody though.....Get A Mac.

[thadroe]

Is there a way to run Dreamweaver 8 on Linux?

I've been thinking of making the Linux switch but that's the main program I can't live without. It seems to be kind of unclear how well it works through programs like CrossOver.

Anyone have experience using Dreamweaver on Linux?

Thad

[Baltar]

Originally Posted by thadroe

Is there a way to run Dreamweaver 8 on Linux?

I haven't used it on Linux myself, but do a google search for "wine dreamweaver" (without the quotes). One of the first things that comes up is this how-to. Whether it'll run depends on the version of Wine you have installed.

[thadroe]

Originally Posted by Baltar

I haven't used it on Linux myself, but do a google search for "wine dreamweaver" (without the quotes). One of the first things that comes up is this how-to. Whether it'll run depends on the version of Wine you have installed.

Thanks Baltar,

I took the plunge to try out Ubuntu last night. I resized the main partition and created a new partition for Ubuntu so I can run either Windows or Ubuntu.

I really like it and it seems much much faster....BUT......I'm not happy with the fact that it seems so difficult to get a wifi connection up and running. I still don't have it connected. It doesn't auto-detect anything. I searched the forums and will probably try Wifi Radar...some people seem to have had luck with that.

Any other suggestions for getting wifi connections up and running quickly?

I'd like to still be able to take it to a coffee shop or something and quickly have a connection without spending a lot of time configuring. Seems like Wifi Radar is designed to do this.

Thad

[Baltar]

Originally Posted by thadroe

Any other suggestions for getting wifi connections up and running quickly?

If your WiFi card isn't supported out of the box you may need to compile and install the driver manually (if there exists a Linux driver for it). Or you can use NdisWrapper which will make use the Windows driver for the card. This is usually done if no native Linux driver exists. Personally I'm using SUSE and had to compile and install the driver for my Ralink RT61 based WiFi card.

You can see a list of chipsets and models natively supported by Ubuntu here. I haven't used NdisWrapper or Ubuntu though, so maybe someone else can provide more detailed help. You can also post directly on a Ubuntu forum. No better place to ask than where the experts hang out.

[thadroe]

Originally Posted by Baltar

If your WiFi card isn't supported out of the box you may need to compile and install the driver manually (if there exists a Linux driver for it). Or you can use NdisWrapper which will make use the Windows driver for the card. This is usually done if no native Linux driver exists. Personally I'm using SUSE and had to compile and install the driver for my Ralink RT61 based WiFi card.

You can see a list of chipsets and models natively supported by Ubuntu here. I haven't used NdisWrapper or Ubuntu though, so maybe someone else can provide more detailed help. You can also post directly on a Ubuntu forum. No better place to ask than where the experts hang out.

Hi Baltar, thanks for the tips and that's a great link that I hadn't seen. Yeah, if I have much more trouble, I'll hop on the Ubuntu forum.

Thad