Linux, worth the hassle?

Question

I have been using Linux on and off for a while now, but I always end up returning to Windows for one reason or another. I see all these cutting edge features of Linux in videos on the web but I can never seem to get even the basics of Linux to work right. Are we ever going to see a 100% stable distribution of Linux, with clearer understanding for the little guy or are we just going to continue to see complicated setups?

Answer 1

Um... do you read Yahoo! Answers?



Read this site some time. Look at all the problems Windows users put up with every day. They don't give up, because they think that's all there is.



I have had none of the problems you've had and I've been using Linux for years. If Windows works for you, great. But if you're going to give Linux a try, give it a real try.



I would suggest baby steps, instead of constantly switching over completely and then giving up at the first setback.



Here are the steps:



1. Start with open source Windows software. Use as much open source Windows software as possible. Make sure that software suits your needs:

http://www.opensourcewindows.org



2. Install Linux as a virtual OS inside Windows:

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/virtualbox



That way you can switch back and forth at the press of a single key stroke. If you encounter a problem, you won't have to switch back to Windows completely. You can have both running at the same time.



3. Once you're really comfortable with that, set up a dual-boot:

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi



4. If you eventually like Linux enough to stick with it long-term but are having some compatibility issues, stick with a dual-boot until you're in a position to buy a new computer, and then buy one with Linux preinstalled.

Answer 2

In my opinion Linux isn't any harder than Windows, it's just different. You can't be better than something by being exactly the same. For me it's worth the "hassle."



It looks like you're having some bad luck with Linux, though. Here are some solutions to your problems:



- Unable to get it to shut down (Ubuntu 7):

Sounds like your BIOS doesn't like ACPI, try using APM instead.

Open a terminal and type:

sudo modprobe apm



Then "sudo update-modules" to make it permanent



If that doesn't work, try adding "acpi=force" to the kernel line of your /boot/grub/menu.lst



- Unable to play DvDs (Ubuntu 6):

You need libdvdcss to play encrypted dvds:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RestrictedFormats/PlayingDVDs



- Unable to browse files properly:

What do you mean? Explain and I'll try to help



- Beryl (Ubuntu) – Don’t have a clue!!!:

Beryl isn't maintained anymore, the new project is compiz-fusion, which should be preinstalled in Ubuntu.















Also, you may want to check out Linux Mint:

http://www.linuxmint.com/



It's perfect for beginners

Answer 3

It sounds to me as though you have been trying Linux distros. which are not suitable for you. Linux comes in many shapes and forms and have only one thing in common, being the kernel.



It is all too easy jump in to Linux wanting the Compiz Fusion 'Cube' without understanding how the rest of Linux works, I know I did the same way back with Ubuntu 6.10 only being impressed with the Cube which was then Beryl. Also when starting out with Linux you must forget Windows as Linux is a very different beast. The likes of YouTube only show the end result and not how it was achieved which in itself is frustrating.



Because Linux works differently to Windows makes it no less stable, in fact if anything Linux is more stable, with the kernel be constantly being updated.



On to distros. here are three easy to install and use (and stable)



Ubuntu 8.04.2 http://releases.ubuntu.com/hardy/

Linux Mint 5 http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_elyssa.php

Mandriva 2009 http://www.mandriva.com/en/download



How to install Ubuntu https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GraphicalInstall

How to install Linux Mint http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-5-elyssa-r1

How to install Mandriva http://www.howtoforge.com/perfect_setup_mandriva_2006



Will we ever see a 100% stable release of Windows. I think not.



LUG.



Edit :

You are using old Ubuntu distros. and the issues you mention no longer exist.



Here is how you enable Compiz Fusion (no longer Beryl) once Ubuntu 8.04.2 is installed and added any available updates via the Update Manager.



First you need to install the Graphics driver using the Hardware Manager to enable 3D acceleration system>administration>hardware manager, restart once driver is installed.



Once you have restarted Open a Terminal and submit the following commands :



sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager



sudo apt-get install emerald





Go to Desktop Settings Manager in preferences.



1. Click on general options at the top select the Desktop size tab, you will see that the Horizontal Virtual Size is 2 increase that to 4.

2. Go back to the Desktop Settings manager interface and select Desktop Cube and enable it.

3. Enable Rotate Cube.

4. Enable Expo.

5. Enable Viewport Switcher.

6. Enable Cube Reflection.

7. Enable Animations.



There are loads of tools and plugins which I have not mentioned above in the Desktop Settings Manager so you can customize your Desktop no end.



Also you will find the Emerald Theme Manager which is a must with Compiz Fusion as it enhances the experience immensely. See more here http://wiki.compiz-fusion.org/



Working with Ubuntu.

Much of the work in Ubuntu can be done via the Synaptic Package Manager without touching the Terminal. Here is the Official Ubuntu Synaptic Package Manager Documentation https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SynapticHowto

Should you need to use it. Here additionally is the Official Ubuntu Terminal Documentation https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UsingTheTerminal



If you have any further questions do not hesitate to email me (see my profile).





LUG.

Answer 4

What distro do you tend to use when you are using linux? Ubuntu is the best place to start. I use it primarily on my laptop. I have used linux for nearly 2 years (started with YellowDog on PS3) and I always use it. I do use Windows XP now and again for games etc.



I'd stay to stick with it. By cutting edge features I'm not sure what you mean... Flashy compiz fusion effects are fun but not why any person should use it.

Answer 5

It is not complicated. You keep giving up when things get a little tough, but if you would have kept going along then things would've cleared up for you.



I made the switch to Ubuntu from windows but did not throw in the towel when I couldn't figure something out, instead what I did is search the internet for the answers; most problems you encounter have been encountered by other people and the solution has been laid out for future stragglers to find.

Answer 6

Linux isn't designed for the layman. It's an advanced OS for doing advanced things. Typically the platform is used for advanced applications such as software and web development, servers, etc. Most linux distros are exceptionally stable, it's just most people can't properly use Linux. After all, Windows and OS X are infinitely easier to use for most people.



To put it a different way, things that are easy to do in Windows are hard to do in Linux, but things that might be hard to do in Windows are "easy" to do in Linux. It's a crazy mix like that.

Answer 7

the suited way is to attempt it out. And for the checklist, that total factor approximately Linux being safer than abode windows isn't precisely real. in actual fact, people who're sensible adequate to appreciate a thank you to apply Linux understand a thank you to safeguard it. I recommend setting up it on a 2d partition on your HDD for a rapid on an identical time as and in basic terms attempt it out. Ubuntu is uncomplicated to apply for Linux novices, too.

Answer 8

Err, I don't know what you mean by "100% stable" as it is much more stable than Windows and has been under development for 18+ years.



You have to remember - Linux is NOT Windows. It does everything I want, it's perfect, and I can't stand touching a Windows computer.



Edit: Hayden A, you are completely incorrect. It is not "freeware", it is Open Source. It is much more stable than Windows, and has a community of thousands of people contributing to it every day, along with large companies.

Answer 9

It depends what you plan on using linux for.



I use BackTrack (http://www.remote-exploit.org/backtrack.html) with VMWare (http://www.vmware.com/). This allows me to boot my version of Linux (Backtrack) through Windows, so that I can run both at the same time.



I like Linux, but I'm like you, I end up going to Windows often, which is why I use it with VMWare.



There are many tutorials with BackTrack, so it would be a good copy of Linux to learn how to do many of the things you would like to.



Good luck.

Regards,

- Klar1ty

Answer 10

if you are experienced in computers and can use DOS in windows then you should do just fine with Linux as for a stable release look up Ubuntu Linux it is easer to use than other linux distros

Answer 11

You are probably never going to see a 100% stable version of linux, it is freeware. Freeware doens't have alot of people willing out there to work on it for nothing. Probably 100 people in their basments helping this out on their freetime. Microsoft and Macs have millions of people being payed to do it.