Linux anyone?

[Strife]

What's your opinion on Linux? Is it a good alternative to Windows with more freedom, or is it just some free OS that doesnt support much of today's needs of applications and games?

I plan on switching to Linux once I obtain all the pieces I need to put together for a new desktop comp (Basicly a new Motherboard and ram for starts). The change might be a good one from what I've read, so heck, I'll go for it.

[Maleko]

Linux has just about everything that Windows has, except games. Office suites, productivity apps, you name it. Gaming though is a weak point for now (although thats getting better slowly)

[lotrfan55345]

Linux is pretty useless unless you have a server...

Why do you need to change parts for Linux. You generally need LESS recourses for Linux than Windows...

[Strife]

Linux pretty useless after all that I've read? I thought it was developed to suit EVERYONE's needs? Hmm...
I forgot to mention that the computer I use now isn't mine, but my brother's. He prefers to stay with windows, so the change wont be necessary for now. I'm in the state of saving up money to buy a few important parts I need to get my own computer up and running soon. My old, or I should say, now damaged motherboard doesnt have any use if my brother pointed out that it no longer worked one day when it suddenly decided to instantly shut off on me and never boot up again. Heh, I beat it with a screw driver... it was sad..

[Maleko]

Linux is pretty useless unless you have a server...

Why do you need to change parts for Linux. You generally need LESS recourses for Linux than Windows...


(Grrrrr a whole long post lost. re-typing sucks)

I beg to differ LOTRFan. Linux is far from useless unless your running a server. Considering that HP has just announced they will be shipping Linux desktops as an alternative to Windows, the fact that for just about anything you can do on Windows, ther excists a package available for Linux, and the fact that many very large companies (IBM, Novell, Sun Microsystems, ATT, HP, among many others) are dumping millions of dollars into Linux, means that Linux is a very viable alternative to Windows. Yes gaming is a lacking area for Linux currently, but with WINE and more and more titles being released for Linux, that will also be changing. Not to mention that many film studios are investing in, and using FilmGIMP for post-production tasks, and most 3D rendering tools being available for Linux, there is a huge upswing in Linux desktop usage occuring. A few companies have been announcing Linux desktop rollouts lately (IBM being the most notable) also.

Really what it boild down to is that you should tailor your OS choice to how you use your computer. If all you do is surf the web, and email, you can use just about anything. If you play a lot of games, stick with Windows currently. If you do any audio or video production, or software development, or preparing for a career in computers, then Linux may be a better option. If your main concern is security, NetBSD would (by far) be the best choice.

I would suggest you decide how you want to use this computer, then decide what OS would be the most effcient for you to use.

[Strife]

Well that just makes it alot more clearer don't it? Thanks Maleko for the great response!

[lotrfan55345]

Yes, Maleko, thats true, but things like Media players, DivX some video encoding/editing files are important to me... but thats just me. Linux is also difficult to use for the beginner.


Linux WILL become WAYY more popular, intel is releasing a procc which utilizes "hyper OS" technology, which lets you use multiple OS's at a time w/o a loss in performance.


Strife, why do you need to change parts for LINUX?

[Maleko]

LOTR, have you tried any of the latest Linux builds? Yes there is a slight learning curve, but calling it difficult to use is a overstatement.

I would suggest you try Knoppix as you can download their "Live" CD image, burn it, and boot into Linux within minutes of downloading it. No hard drive install needed. Doing that will give you a good idea of what Linux can and can not do for you.

Also LOTR, the only format I know of that will not play on Linux is RealPlayer format. DiVX, MP4, avi, they all play on Mplayer (among other players) so unless your tied into one specific proprietary format player/encoder/decoder, I don't see a problem using Linux for video production work (take a look at the FilmGIMP site)

Also, LOTR, Strife needs to finish building his own computer, as he is using his brother's comp at this point.

[Defiant Noquisi]

Linux is a great OS, Ive dabbled in it a time or two. The fact that you can get a free version of virtually any application for it AND the much improved over the last few years GUI interfacing shows that Linux is poised much better now to kick some MS ass in the near future and make a lasting impression.

Yes, it does take a little more homework initially to use but its not scary unless you are a tried and true plug and play person and nothing more. Personally, I want to know more than just where the power button is.

I agree that if you are a gamer you'll have to wait a little while longer.

I can hear the MS house of cards starting to crumble now.......

[Maleko]

for those who think Linux is too hard to use, I give you this article:

http://software.newsforge.com/software/04/04/02/1424206.shtml

[Defiant Noquisi]

for those who think Linux is too hard to use, I give you this article:

http://software.newsforge.com/software/04/04/02/1424206.shtml Excellent article! There are also computer user groups everywhere that have Linux fans among its membership. They will help you out with everything, including holding "installfests" where they help out with everything during an install. Most importantly, alot of this is free.

http://cdb.apcug.org/loclist.asp

As always, the best source Ive found for Linux info including installation and usage for the rookie, is from the source itself...

http://www.linux.org