Linux v/s Windows
- Thread starter hwang
- Start date
gunslinger
Well-Known Member
- Reaction score
- 55
- Location
- Cookeville, Tennessee
No problem. Also, if you can get the portable versions of these all the better. Keeps from having to install yet another program on an already sick computer.
maybe I am just a fanboy
I am surprised so many think Linux is not ready for the desktop. Admins tend to think it's too complex for average users, techs say it will never take over MS, so why bother or if it was ready people would be using it. But basically if it were like MS Windows, it would be ready. Well that has been tried and the results are not that good. I got into the habit of using Linux everyday, it is just fine, to me. Today I dual-boot , but I am thinking to install XP in Virtualbox so I don't have to reboot just to use IE and Incredimail. If Linux was pre-installed or if someone helps you install it and all goes well, then using Linux is not a problem at all. I guess I have sold my MS villa for a Linuxville estate. Anyway I have realized that Linux does require some education because most folk have not experienced using it. There are a lot of brief encounter testimonies and failed attempt (Linux is crap) web postings. I don't think Linux is a must have kind of thing as Macs and MS are often marketed as. The object of desire thing does not fit Linux well. There are a lot of pluses and only a few minuses.
I am surprised so many think Linux is not ready for the desktop. Admins tend to think it's too complex for average users, techs say it will never take over MS, so why bother or if it was ready people would be using it. But basically if it were like MS Windows, it would be ready. Well that has been tried and the results are not that good. I got into the habit of using Linux everyday, it is just fine, to me. Today I dual-boot , but I am thinking to install XP in Virtualbox so I don't have to reboot just to use IE and Incredimail. If Linux was pre-installed or if someone helps you install it and all goes well, then using Linux is not a problem at all. I guess I have sold my MS villa for a Linuxville estate. Anyway I have realized that Linux does require some education because most folk have not experienced using it. There are a lot of brief encounter testimonies and failed attempt (Linux is crap) web postings. I don't think Linux is a must have kind of thing as Macs and MS are often marketed as. The object of desire thing does not fit Linux well. There are a lot of pluses and only a few minuses.
gunslinger
Well-Known Member
- Reaction score
- 55
- Location
- Cookeville, Tennessee
Although I don't think Linux is "crap", I also don't think it will be very popular anytime soon for a few reasons. The first is setting it up. Having used Fadora and Ubuntu Its just not as easy for me to set up as a windows box. Another reason is apps not working with it. You just cannot use certain apps with Linux. I know , I know there are Linux versions that are kinda sorta like the real thing. But they just aren’t the real thing. It seems like you have to do a terminal hack to get anything to work right. I don't want to spend half a day to get my wireless to work, I and most other users just want it to work. Another reason its not more popular is that most people use and have gotten use to Windows in one version or another. Going from windows to Linux is for me at least like going from an automatic to a 5 speed manual. While the manual has its perks the automatic just works and anyone can drive it. The more like Windows you can make Linux the more popular it will be with the masses, and the more unpopular it will be with true Linux geeks. Next is the compatibility issues. The main reason they exist with Linux is because you have an almost unlimited number of computer configurations and maybe 100 or so different version of Linux with many other subversions of each all trying to get along. Guess what? Its not going to work. The very things that make Linux what it is are also the things that will make certain its never main stream.
Last edited:
Linux vs Windows
I am leaning toward agreeing with you on many points. I really don't think Linux will take over the desktop and in spite of what some fanboys think, the intent of Linux is that of a free OS that works on the PC. I think alternative OS rather than MS replacement is a play on words but probably more appropriate. I didn't have any problems with Linux as I am not a wireless person, I don't play many games or have a light dimming video card. The winmodem thing was a headache for me. In all I guess it is harder for MS Windows users to accept a little desktop diversity than for us to embrace foreign cars. Economics did play a big part in my switching and I am always looking for new ways to do what everybody else does. So, yes. Linux does not possess the formula for success. Weird though Mac has a glut of graphics and media software, MS Win a little of everything, Linux has lots of electronic design stuff and scientific apps, probably Unix ports. Maybe it is a good thing Linux is a "kit", just to be different and for those who want it. What I would like to hear is from Techs who have to support a Linux user base, what is that like?
I am leaning toward agreeing with you on many points. I really don't think Linux will take over the desktop and in spite of what some fanboys think, the intent of Linux is that of a free OS that works on the PC. I think alternative OS rather than MS replacement is a play on words but probably more appropriate. I didn't have any problems with Linux as I am not a wireless person, I don't play many games or have a light dimming video card. The winmodem thing was a headache for me. In all I guess it is harder for MS Windows users to accept a little desktop diversity than for us to embrace foreign cars. Economics did play a big part in my switching and I am always looking for new ways to do what everybody else does. So, yes. Linux does not possess the formula for success. Weird though Mac has a glut of graphics and media software, MS Win a little of everything, Linux has lots of electronic design stuff and scientific apps, probably Unix ports. Maybe it is a good thing Linux is a "kit", just to be different and for those who want it. What I would like to hear is from Techs who have to support a Linux user base, what is that like?
Is there anyone geeky enough to use linux (or know a geek), but still need help from a tech? Do they pay for tech support on a free OS?
Another reason MS will have the market share for the foreseeable future is the vicious cycle around home computers and business networks. Businesses use MS because their employees use it at home, and they don't want to do extra training. For their home computers, people by MS because that's what they use at work (part of the reason why Norton is so popular).
Another reason MS will have the market share for the foreseeable future is the vicious cycle around home computers and business networks. Businesses use MS because their employees use it at home, and they don't want to do extra training. For their home computers, people by MS because that's what they use at work (part of the reason why Norton is so popular).
gunslinger
Well-Known Member
- Reaction score
- 55
- Location
- Cookeville, Tennessee
Crgky127
You said a dirty word, you said Norton.
You said a dirty word, you said Norton.
wife says I'm a little geeky, but I don't think so
The Linux user = geeky thing is a bit like type casting or profiling if you will. There are such a wide assortment of Linux user personalities. Server guys and desktop mouse jockeys can be pretty different in knowledge and experience. But whether we wear a Tux suit or a Tux teeshirt or Tux lapel pin, Linux users can be a class act or a tough act. Does seem an awful lot of Linux users are do-it-yourselfers.
Paid support is a funny world, like extended car warranties. If I only have a few questions I believe the community can handle that. If I had company servers, network and user base to support I would want the backing of paid support.
The home/work user thing is strong but not impossible to deal with. Some are curious about Linux.
The Linux user = geeky thing is a bit like type casting or profiling if you will. There are such a wide assortment of Linux user personalities. Server guys and desktop mouse jockeys can be pretty different in knowledge and experience. But whether we wear a Tux suit or a Tux teeshirt or Tux lapel pin, Linux users can be a class act or a tough act. Does seem an awful lot of Linux users are do-it-yourselfers.
Paid support is a funny world, like extended car warranties. If I only have a few questions I believe the community can handle that. If I had company servers, network and user base to support I would want the backing of paid support.
The home/work user thing is strong but not impossible to deal with. Some are curious about Linux.
Greetings from Linuxville
It's been a few months since my last post, here's an update. All is well in Linuxville, we are sporting Ubuntu 8.04 and have settled in to Gnome. Having a middle of the road HP desktop machine wired to the home network, I haven't had any wireless issues. I installed Virtualbox and as my first victim, XP Pro as a virtual machine OS. I have only 512MB memory so XP borrows half of it. Virtual machines are wonderful because dual-booting sucks when I need to access a gov MS IE certified web site. The Ubuntu vs XP or Vista debate goes on but XP and Vista require lots of tweaking and icon shortcuts to match the convenience of where things are placed in Ubuntu's Gnome desktop. Drilling for my files in XP forces me to use the search function or multiple menus. The same is done with a only few un-frustrating clicks in Gnome. Workflow is better for me in Ubuntu. As I don't have any commitment to MS software other than the OS itself and as I use open source software, Ubuntu Linux is meeting all of my computing needs except that gov web site thing. What I am realizing is perhaps some computer enthusiast who are the most vocal about the shortcomings of Linux are also the ones who fuss over hardware specs, buy the best of whatever there is, mix it all into their system and try to install Linux on it. Good luck with that.
It's been a few months since my last post, here's an update. All is well in Linuxville, we are sporting Ubuntu 8.04 and have settled in to Gnome. Having a middle of the road HP desktop machine wired to the home network, I haven't had any wireless issues. I installed Virtualbox and as my first victim, XP Pro as a virtual machine OS. I have only 512MB memory so XP borrows half of it. Virtual machines are wonderful because dual-booting sucks when I need to access a gov MS IE certified web site. The Ubuntu vs XP or Vista debate goes on but XP and Vista require lots of tweaking and icon shortcuts to match the convenience of where things are placed in Ubuntu's Gnome desktop. Drilling for my files in XP forces me to use the search function or multiple menus. The same is done with a only few un-frustrating clicks in Gnome. Workflow is better for me in Ubuntu. As I don't have any commitment to MS software other than the OS itself and as I use open source software, Ubuntu Linux is meeting all of my computing needs except that gov web site thing. What I am realizing is perhaps some computer enthusiast who are the most vocal about the shortcomings of Linux are also the ones who fuss over hardware specs, buy the best of whatever there is, mix it all into their system and try to install Linux on it. Good luck with that.
TechHelper
New Member
- Reaction score
- 0
I don't know. It's pretty close.
parker.casey
New Member
- Reaction score
- 2
- Location
- Washington State
They have different purposes, and are best suited for those purposes. Proprietary software that some business, especially franchises, are locked in to can often only run under Windows. Linux is generally less of a headache, and for any generic purpose is ideal.
I use Linux everyday. I run all command line Linux on my servers, and Desktop versions for my desktops and laptops. I read one of the replies about the wireless card not working right, I had that issue once, I solved the problem using ndiswrapper, worked like a charm. I prefer Linux over windows anyday. I even run Windows games on my Linux machines using Wine. On top of that, it is the most secure OS out there. I will have to look it up again, but at the hackers convention they never did crack the Linux box, but windows and Mac were hacked in a day or two. If you are interested I will see if I can find the article, very interesting. Linuix also make it easy to build software, modules, and custom kernels. I guess I am just a Linux fan because I really like it. I do also run Windows though, because 99.99% of the systems I work on are WinBoxes. I also built Linux From Scratch, and being caught in a few dependancy nightmares, has really taught me how dependencies work in Linux and Windows alike. I think that troubleshooting Linux has helped me in troubleshooting Windows also. They may be different, but they are all just hardware and software. Have a great day, and be blessed.
TriadPCSolutions
Member
- Reaction score
- 0
wow this thread is about 4 years old, but since it somehow necro revived itself lol I'd say the current on whether or not to recomend it is pretty simple, if it does 100% of what it is needed for, then it is advantageous to use it over windows. In general lower maintainer, low security risk usually runs faster, but the key thing is, keep an eye out for growing needs, if the intended user is likely to want to play games, need photoshop or other comercial applications, then it is a bad idea to try and force it on them.
I agree, but there is a time and place for these OS's.
Ccomp5950
Member
- Reaction score
- 13
- Location
- Marshall, Texas
I use Linux in my shop save for one desktop I personally own that was purchased back in 2006.
If I'm selling servers (Network storage (including Quickbook files), VPN services) or even a product I'm working on for complete network management it's Linux.
Selling Desktops, I'm not going to sell or even push Linux on a customer unless they ask for it. I have had one exception to this rule, in a Kiosk setup the airport wanted, Firefox opens up to their information site.
I'm perfectly fine using Linux, I'm not perfectly fine reading my customers minds and assuming they will never need Windows software in the future or even upon receipt of the computer. The one customer I have who has exclusively Redhat systems loves me though since I am the only one within 50 miles that works on Linux systems.
If I'm selling servers (Network storage (including Quickbook files), VPN services) or even a product I'm working on for complete network management it's Linux.
Selling Desktops, I'm not going to sell or even push Linux on a customer unless they ask for it. I have had one exception to this rule, in a Kiosk setup the airport wanted, Firefox opens up to their information site.
I'm perfectly fine using Linux, I'm not perfectly fine reading my customers minds and assuming they will never need Windows software in the future or even upon receipt of the computer. The one customer I have who has exclusively Redhat systems loves me though since I am the only one within 50 miles that works on Linux systems.
vdub12
New Member
- Reaction score
- 2
I almost fell on the floor laughing about this comment before I noticed it was posted in 2006. I was going to fire back with I use KDE4 on a daily basis and its far more advanced and sexier then XP's UI was.
Yeah, I did the same thing. Running with all the Compiz effect enabled and multiple virtual desktops on linux make XP feel like an old clunky toy.
We use linux on our PC's in the office and I use it at home as there is next to no need to use windows with the exception of doing our web design work.
The few programs that are windows based that I use such as my remote support tool works perfectly fine under WINE.
