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

[ultimatebob]

At this point, I've probably built over a dozen Red Hat and SuSE Linux systems for use as web servers, database servers, and CVS code repositories. The GUI still kinda sucks, though, and I end up doing everything through the command line.

 

[Armitage]

It is my desktop, at home and at work. I don't do it to "impress" people - if you're that easily impressed :roll:
I do it because it's the best environment I've found for what I do. At work that's primarily scientific analysis & development. At home, basic internet stuff, some development, some multimedia. I find it to be more stable, both in the short-term - ie. not crashing, and the long term - bit rot, upgrading, troubleshooting, etc. And far less susceptible to the exploit of the week. And yea - a good command line.

 

[imported_LoKe]

Originally posted by: 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.

I'm not having a hard time with Linux as a Desktop, and I'm a *nix newb. However, I'm using Ubuntu...

 

[Kirby64]

Gentoo Linux for running my own personal TeamSpeak server FTW

 

[fLum0x]

Originally posted by: 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?

the "prettiest" ones are the most steamline ones...like red hat for example.

secondly, dont use linux "just because you can"...have a reason to do it. Linux/Unix is a fairly steep learning curve, but yes, it is MUCH more secure if that is what you are looking for. If you are looking to impress someone, go build something out of toothpicks or something. Don't waste the linux users time just so your computer can look "pretty" and "different". get windows blinds and customize it or something...god.

 

[flawlssdistortn]

So what do I do with my Gentoo Linux installation? Compile, mostly compile. And then when it breaks I try to fix it.

Joking aside, I use it for web browsing, email, typing up papers, watching movies, bittorrent, and IRC. I keep XP installed for when I get the gaming itch. Linux has been a great learning experience, and I now have a pretty good idea of how an OS is put together. For those who are only concerned with a computer's functionality i would say this - just stick with what you got (which is probably windows).

 

[imported_Goo]

If anyone can show me a easy way to install drivers for new hardware I don't mind using it again.

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: fLum0x

Originally posted by: 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?

the "prettiest" ones are the most steamline ones...like red hat for example.

secondly, dont use linux "just because you can"...have a reason to do it. Linux/Unix is a fairly steep learning curve, but yes, it is MUCH more secure if that is what you are looking for. If you are looking to impress someone, go build something out of toothpicks or something. Don't waste the linux users time just so your computer can look "pretty" and "different". get windows blinds and customize it or something...god.

Believe it or not, Linux really isn't all that secure unless you really know what you're doing. Tons of security patches come out for the various Linux services every month, and the default security settings aren't all that much better than Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP SP2.

If you want some real security, you need to get a commercial UNIX product like Solaris or AIX. You can go for months between having to install critical OS patches on those systems, and most of them do not require a reboot like Windows.

 

[destrekor]

only reason im trying to work with linux at the moment is for my MythTV box im configuring... windows alternatives don't seem to have the configuration that Myth provides.. if someone thinks im wrong, please help me see the light because Windows is SOOOO much easier, and don't care if i dont get a geek card for using Linux+Myth lol.

 

[Vegitto]

Meh.. I'm using Windows XP on my main box, but I've got Slax on my other box. Basically a mailserver, fileserver and personal webhost..

 

[randay]

XGL looks cool and nifty and handy dandy and all, but how is any of that crap actually useful? I can't think of any practical situations.

 

[sciencewhiz]

Originally posted by: Goo
If anyone can show me a easy way to install drivers for new hardware I don't mind using it again.

What new hardware are you adding? The linux kernel has an order of magnitude more drivers built in then windows does.

 

[desteffy]

I use linux at work to do academic research. Coding in c and c++ and doing lots of computation.

 

[desteffy]

Originally posted by: 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.

that is really nice looking

 

[amdskip]

Marking as there are some neat suggestions in here!

 

[Goosemaster]

I forgot to mention that my gateway router ( I have a quite a few routers in the house) is running m0n0wall, a php-driven implementation of FreeBSD

It kicks so much ass...I jsut set it up and don't touch it anymore


m0n0.myhsr.com to see what I did

 

[Hyperblaze]

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.

the command line in unix is one of the most powerful ways to get anything done. It's extremely flexible. Back in Windows 95, I hated using explorer, prefered using the dos prompt. Just simpler for me.

In unix...I might have a desktop environment open, but 99 percent of the time, I'm using the console.

I don't have a clue why some people hate using the command line. On the microsoft side, what do you think people did before windows was introduced? DOS commands

Sadly, folks got used to a GUI environment and just got damn lazy.

 

[SuperSix]

I went all gung- ho,I wanted to learn Linux in the worst way...

And after I Installed it - I realized it was completey useless to me.

After the install, I thought to myself "What do I do now??"

I wiped the box, and installed XP.

Lesson learned.....

Linux is a robust OS, but hard to use in daily life. <shrug>

 

[skyking]

It can do so much more in the server role. I have a couple of dedicated fax/mail servers at businesses using hylafax.
I have built a couple of myth boxes.
Spam/virus filtering mailserver.
I just logged off one of my client's file/database servers after a routine checkup. 140 days of uptime, which corresponds to my last personal visit there to blow out the dust and check the fans

 

[Hyperblaze]

Originally posted by: SuperSix
I went all gung- ho,I wanted to learn Linux in the worst way...

And after I Installed it - I realized it was completey useless to me.

After the install, I thought to myself "What do I do now??"

I wiped the box, and installed XP.

Lesson learned.....

Linux is a robust OS, but hard to use in daily life. <shrug>

here's a question. what do you do with windows?

You need to have a purpose for using whatever you are using.

Whatever you can do in windows, you can do it in linux, with the possibly exception of games.

Why use one or another? There are pros and cons to each operating sytem. Use the one with best suits your needs

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: 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.

I do too, that's why linux runs on my webserver. But you won't catch me using it as a workstation OS. The only benefit of linux as a workstation OS for me is that it's free.

Edit: I'm not afraid of a command line either. At work I typically have about 15 PuTTy windows open at a time. But those PuTTy windows are all connected to servers.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: LoKe
Ubuntu Dapper here.

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

Yeah...you won't be just another "explorer.exe" user. Yawn...

 

[MercenaryForHire]

XGL Live CD

- M4H

 

[magomago]

What do you do with windows Chat, type up stuff, web browse, download and watch videos from places like you tube...email, the occaisonal game through cedega or native stuff like Suduko
Basically everything windows can do, and I'm legit.

And yes i do have to do the occaisonal command prompt (I try to do it...there are actually some things I have no idea how to use in a GUI and feel more comfortable doing in Shell) to deal with. But its fine. It helps keep my brain sharp because I always have to think about how to troubleshoot and maybe look at a peep or two of code.
That and I've gotten a few legs up on an interview because I've shown that I actually know something about Unix/Linux so they don't have to spend 2-3 weeks teaching me how to use shell and what commands are.

Basically, its a fun ride

 

[michaels]

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.

lol..so true