Linux

Disch · Post by **Disch** » Sun May 16, 2010 4:33 pm

*Disch shakes UncleSporky's hand*

I'm glad I'm not alone.

EDIT: ironically, this post appears all alone on the 2nd page and therefore looks lonely =(

Nessie · Post by **Nessie** » Sun May 16, 2010 4:49 pm

Linux' biggest problem is its users. For some reason, they often have an urge to inform others how awesome Linux is, and that anyone who stays with "M$ products" is an ignorant fool who has not been able to see the light yet.

I was introduced to Linux through work, ended up using Debian at home and have been very satisfied with it for years. However, if you want the power of Linux and the GUI simplicity of Windows, you can just get a Mac!

Post by **tepples** » Sun May 16, 2010 5:06 pm

I was introduced to Linux through having to replace no-longer-supported Windows 98 and Windows Me on some really old PCs. I tried Puppy for a while before settling on Ubuntu.

One problem with a Mac is that there's a "Mac mini" but no "MacBook mini". Other companies' laptops come in small (9-10"), medium (13"), and desktop replacement (15-17"). Mac has medium (MacBook and MacBook Pro 13) and large (MacBook Pro 15 and 17). But instead of a small computer, Apple sells an appliance called the iPad, essentially an overgrown iPod Touch, which lacks features on which a lot of us rely. There isn't an app for that because Apple rejects entire classes of apps in the iPhone developer agreement.

Ian A · Post by **Ian A** » Sun May 16, 2010 5:51 pm

I've had nothing but linux on my main machine since 2001. I've used a couple of distros in the first couple of months, but eventually settled on slackware because I fucking HATE packages. Especially RPMs. Nothing but problems.

This doesn't mean you should put slackware on your computer, though. It's probably not for you, but it worked for me.

Each OS has it's pros and cons, obviously, so it's just a matter of what works for you. I, personally, don't like working on macs, but have recommended them to people. Same with windows. They just each fit their needs.

It's a wishy washy answer, but whatever.

67726e · Post by **67726e** » Sun May 16, 2010 7:12 pm

Just wanted to put my two cents in: If you're not to sure about using Linux (i.e. you have never used it) http://wubi-installer.org/ is a good thing to try. It installs Ubuntu just like a Windows application and you can remove it just as easily. Its really nice for someone who is new to Linux and may not want to make the commitment of formatting their HD and all.

UncleSporky · Post by **UncleSporky** » Sun May 16, 2010 8:02 pm

Ian A wrote:Each OS has it's pros and cons, obviously, so it's just a matter of what works for you. I, personally, don't like working on macs, but have recommended them to people. Same with windows. They just each fit their needs.

It's a wishy washy answer, but whatever.

It's the perfect answer and I am always happy to see someone giving it.

Of course anyone should use whatever suits their needs, and it's obvious that each of the three major players has that capability.

Like Nessie was saying, it's heavy handed OS evangelism that is often both unhelpful and infuriating.

peppers · Post by **peppers** » Sun May 16, 2010 9:48 pm

I've installed fresh windows installs in various peoples computers as a favor and I include Linux mint as a secure backup OS (thats what I use it for) and every single person wanted it as there primary OS once they tried it out, personally I am more comfortable with Windows but its interesting how people seem to take to it.

My Linux personal use is mostly Slax off my key chain when at an untrustworthy computer and I want to check my email or something.

3gengames · Post by **3gengames** » Mon May 17, 2010 5:19 am

I never realized this exploded like this

Uhhh yeah I don't do PC programming so...:/

I don't think I am allowed to switch OS's, or else I would try it, but I do want to try linux....

Reading this though I think the only Linux I will want to get will be this, hopefully they simplify it!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Chrome_OS

Only bad thing is that it's going to be built for people who basicly only browser the web :/.....But thats why it's linux, so we can fix it XD

tokumaru · Post by **tokumaru** » Mon May 17, 2010 6:04 am

65024U wrote:I don't think I am allowed to switch OS's, or else I would try it, but I do want to try linux....

If you want to try Linux so hard but are not allowed to switch OS's, you still have a couple of options. A lot of Linux distros allow you to "preview" the OS without installing. You can boot from the CD/DVD and play with the OS a bit, without modifying anything on your hard drive.

The other option is to use a virtual machine. VirtualBox for example is a free software that allows you to create and run virtual machines. You can create one and install Linux in it, while your real machine isn't affected in any way.

3gengames · Post by **3gengames** » Mon May 17, 2010 6:18 am

Well it's not like I'm 100% dying to try it but I do want it.....Does linux include a code compiler/assembler/etc for its self?

Post by **tepples** » Mon May 17, 2010 6:22 am

65024U wrote:Well it's not like I'm 100% dying to try it but I do want it.....Does linux include a code compiler/assembler/etc for its self?

It includes GCC and GNU Binutils. (The MinGW system is the Windows port of these.) On Ubuntu, you can pull these from Canonical's package repository by running this command in a terminal:

Code: Select all

sudo apt-get install build-essential

peppers · Post by **peppers** » Mon May 17, 2010 8:06 am

another option is to install it into a USB drive and boot from that, when it running "Live" from a CD/DVD or thumb drive it will run a bit slower but you can give it a try and if you choose USB is is possible to make a persistent file so the changes you make will be kept.

67726e · Post by **67726e** » Mon May 17, 2010 12:14 pm

I don't think I am allowed to switch OS's, or else I would try it, but I do want to try linux....

I guess this got looked over:

Just wanted to put my two cents in: If you're not to sure about using Linux (i.e. you have never used it) http://wubi-installer.org/ is a good thing to try. It installs Ubuntu just like a Windows application and you can remove it just as easily. Its really nice for someone who is new to Linux and may not want to make the commitment of formatting their HD and all.

Anyway it installs exactly as a Windows application. If you want to remove it you uninstall it from the uninstall window. It allows you to dual boot your OS with Linux.