So, umm.. what exactly are people doing with Linux?

[Arkitech]

So now that I have your attention what are you guys doing with your installs on Linux? I'm planning on converting an PC of mine into a Linux file server but I'd like to do something else with it. That's when it struck me, the majority of software out there is 386 based, what can I do with Linux that would impress my friends, family and my hot wife who's not celibate.

And since I'm asking questions, what flavor of Linux are you running? Which distro looks the prettiest?

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Windows........FTW?

 

[Maleficus]

looks the prettiest... FTL

 

[johnjbruin]

Its worthless - every geek I know from college has gone through a linux phase - used it for like 2 yrs - realised all he needs is windows - and then comes back.

 

[Hyperblaze]

umm....

Used to use Gentoo, but for work related reasons, switch to Fedora Core.

Use it as a desktop and for web development.

Server wise I use freebsd. Use that for file server, web server, ftp server, ssh server, gateway, mail server and whatever else I feel like doing on it.

 

[So]

I'm building a MAME box around meager hardware using Linux.

 

[Hyperblaze]

Originally posted by: johnjbruin
Its worthless - every geek I know from college has gone through a linux phase - used it for like 2 yrs - realised all he needs is windows - and then comes back.

each operating system has their own target audience.

Just because I find windows is a piece of Sh!t doesn't mean I'm going to bash it.

you use the tools you need to get a job done.

I work in LAMP based solutions. So I use the right tools for the right job.

If you want to use windows, go ahead. I'll keep using Linux. thanks.

 

[Soccer55]

I'm running a copy of Damn Small Linux on an old Dell laptop. It uses a whopping 20MB of ram and after installing it to the hard drive, it takes up something like 100 MB worth of hard drive space. So I guess right now, the only thing I'm doing with Linux is making an old laptop useful again.

-Tom

 

[IBuyUFO]

Stick with windows. You'll probably live 5 years longer without having to deal with the frustration and pain that is associated with linux. If you're not a top system admin who knows linux/unix you probably won't be able to fix your system if it breaks.

 

[KDOG]

I tired Ubuntu for about 2 weeks. I don't understand why people use it. You have to type commands to get it to do anything. It just sucks.

 

[Goosemaster]

linux is like having the best right angled hammerdrill.....

sure it has its uses, and sure it will preform fantastically, but frankly, for simpleer stuff, there are more appropriate alternatives...

linux/unix rock for servers...no questions.....


I gave up on it for desktop use....not worth the hassle...

 

[Skiddex]

debian ftw. running file/web server on a 75mbit line

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: IBuyUFO
Stick with windows. You'll probably live 5 years longer without having to deal with the frustration and pain that is associated with linux. If you're not a top system admin who knows linux/unix you probably won't be able to fix your system if it breaks.

I just started using Unix at work, so I figure I should run something similar at home to get up to speed. I'd like to get certified in one or the other as well

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: KDOG
I tired Ubuntu for about 2 weeks. I don't understand why people use it. You have to type commands to get it to do anything. It just sucks.

Did'nt you use the GUI version, I had Ubuntu on one of my machines too for a few days. Its reeeaal purty

 

[0roo0roo]

its on an old 2nd computer for me to fool arond with.. rarely really if ever.

 

[phisrow]

Linux is the only OS on my main machine(a laptop no less). It's pretty/easy enough not to get in my way when I just need to browse the web or read my email; but it also has a command line that doesn't suck, and the wonder that is APT package management right below the surface.

 

[jkersenbr]

Just bought a newer laptop and put Ubuntu on it. Using GNUcash for my business bookkeeping.

It's fast, stable, and does what I need it to for free.

I'm sick and tired of forking money over to Microsoft. Decided to not spend another $400 on software just because I got a new laptop.

My goal is to be Windows free within a year.

 

[timswim78]

Want to impress people?

Just show them some XGL.
http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=xgl

 

[xcript]

XGL is the way to go for a really fancy-schmancy desktop. It's easiest to get going under Ubuntu & SUSE, AFAIK.

I've been using Gentoo for the past ~four years.

 

[Platypus]

Originally posted by: Arkitech

Originally posted by: IBuyUFO
Stick with windows. You'll probably live 5 years longer without having to deal with the frustration and pain that is associated with linux. If you're not a top system admin who knows linux/unix you probably won't be able to fix your system if it breaks.

I just started using Unix at work, so I figure I should run something similar at home to get up to speed. I'd like to get certified in one or the other as well

What do you use it for at work? I suggest taking the time to learn from scratch and not using some crappy binary package management system and eyecandy GUI to spoon feed it to you. (cough ubuntu) If you're only interested in impressing people then I wouldn't even bother..

But I imagine like you said that you want to learn it at home because of work which is more realistic and understandable. I wouldn't really install it as a desktop replacement on your main box as Linux just isn't cut out for that. Sure it works, but why bother? I'd get an old box and do something realistic with it instead of installing X.. make a samba box, make an FTP file server, make an email box, make a webserver from source. Have a specific goal in mind... hopefully that goal isn't to make it rain on your desktop and rotate your screen like a cube.

 

[RollWave]

Originally posted by: Platypus

Originally posted by: Arkitech

Originally posted by: IBuyUFO
Stick with windows. You'll probably live 5 years longer without having to deal with the frustration and pain that is associated with linux. If you're not a top system admin who knows linux/unix you probably won't be able to fix your system if it breaks.

I just started using Unix at work, so I figure I should run something similar at home to get up to speed. I'd like to get certified in one or the other as well

What do you use it for at work? I suggest taking the time to learn from scratch and not using some crappy binary package management system and eyecandy GUI to spoon feed it to you. (cough ubuntu) If you're only interested in impressing people then I wouldn't even bother..

But I imagine like you said that you want to learn it at home because of work which is more realistic and understandable. I wouldn't really install it as a desktop replacement on your main box as Linux just isn't cut out for that. Sure it works, but why bother? I'd get an old box and do something realistic with it instead of installing X.. make a samba box, make an FTP file server, make an email box, make a webserver from source. Have a specific goal in mind... hopefully that goal isn't to make it rain on your desktop and rotate your screen like a cube.

I dunno, after seeing that vid I kind of want to get my computer dual booting into that so I can use that sweet interface and get MythTV running for free!

 

[imported_LoKe]

Ubuntu Dapper here.

If you want something to "impress your friends, family and hot wife" you should give XGL + Compiz a try.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

I use Linux for my desktop, game/file/ftp/teamspeak server, and PVR. Don't have a need for Windows and don't use it.

 

[drinkmorejava]

Reliable distributed web servers. I just worked on a project with 10 boxes.

 

[IBuyUFO]

Originally posted by: Arkitech

Originally posted by: IBuyUFO
Stick with windows. You'll probably live 5 years longer without having to deal with the frustration and pain that is associated with linux. If you're not a top system admin who knows linux/unix you probably won't be able to fix your system if it breaks.

I just started using Unix at work, so I figure I should run something similar at home to get up to speed. I'd like to get certified in one or the other as well

That's just great that you're going to use this as a learning tool that will be applied to a business environment. For most people this does not apply though. It's a great server there is no question about that but as a desktop. I cringe at the thought of anyone trying to use linux as a desktop if your expertise in linux is not god-like.