what is the advantage of using a Linux Operating System?

[mcveigh]

linux user groups in your area

http://lugww.counter.li.org/groups.cms

http://www.linux.org/groups/

 

[Nothinman]

To be frank Im really looking for an equivalent of windows that is free

Linux is not what you want then, because it's nothing like Windows. It can look somewhat like it, but it's completely different on the inside and with regards to how things work. You won't be able to find a drop-in replacement for Windows.

btw are those listed above exactly the equivalent? or almost?

Almost, most of them are developed by people in their spare time so they aren't worried about getting every thing 100% like the commercial components, they just work on the features they want or need to.

Linux is a great OS and a lot of the apps that run on it are better than the Windows alternatives, but not everything is. There's a pretty steep learning curve, but if you stick with it you'll probably start to wonder why you liked most those Windows programs in the first place.

 

[magomago]

I must agree...you won't want Linux.

I think Windows is better...why? a) Loads up MUCH faster b) it is streamlined for the average user ...Linux is not like that. Redhat is making huge strides with Bluecurve which is great (if only they could toss in all the multimedia apps of Mandrake...that is why I am thinking of ridding myself of mandrkae8.1 and moving to mandrake9)

I remember seeing Linux screens of mandrake 8.1 (Not sure 'bout 9...hopefully i can get it too 😛 ) and i ws like like "easy shiznit!"

But remember, it is completely different. You don't install hardware and load up a driver...you have to compile a kernel and then load it using the shell (think of it as DOS)

But you seem to be the casual user that is trying to switch. Try out linux, but leave your win partition in your computer.


But if you are actually willing to try, I highly reccomend trying out Mandrake as Redhat 8.0 skimps on a lot of the multimedia stuff

 

[Nothinman]

I think Windows is better...why? a) Loads up MUCH faster b) it is streamlined for the average user ...Linux is not like that.

XP boots fast, but it sits loading things in the background while you try to work, it still takes about the same amount of time to boot. In general my Linux installation boots faster than my Win2K installation on the same box.

Windows isn't intuitive or streamlined, it's very confusing to new users. The reason it seems intuitive is that most people have experience with Windows at school or work, so it's familiar to them already.

But remember, it is completely different. You don't install hardware and load up a driver...you have to compile a kernel and then load it using the shell (think of it as DOS)

9 times out of 10 you don't need to touch the kernel, you may need to compile a kernel module (depending on the vendor and how they handle Linux drivers) but compiling your own kernel is completely up whether you want to or not. And the Linux CLI is not like DOS, the fact that they're both command-line oriented is the only thing they have in common. Run 'cmd' on any NT box and you'll get a CLI that's more like Linux than DOS is.

But if you are actually willing to try, I highly reccomend trying out Mandrake as Redhat 8.0 skimps on a lot of the multimedia stuff

RH skimped because the owners of the MP3 copyright have been hinting they may start taking legal action to those distributing MP3 applications without licenses (i.e. most open source implimentations) and RH is just playing it safe. Same thing with playing of encrypted DVDs.

 

[Battousai01]

q]Originally posted by: magomago
I must agree...you won't want Linux.

I think Windows is better...why? a) Loads up MUCH faster b) it is streamlined for the average user ...Linux is not like that. Redhat is making huge strides with Bluecurve which is great (if only they could toss in all the multimedia apps of Mandrake...that is why I am thinking of ridding myself of mandrkae8.1 and moving to mandrake9)

I remember seeing Linux screens of mandrake 8.1 (Not sure 'bout 9...hopefully i can get it too 😛 ) and i ws like like "easy shiznit!"

But remember, it is completely different. You don't install hardware and load up a driver...you have to compile a kernel and then load it using the shell (think of it as DOS)

But you seem to be the casual user that is trying to switch. Try out linux, but leave your win partition in your computer.


But if you are actually willing to try, I highly reccomend trying out Mandrake as Redhat 8.0 skimps on a lot of the multimedia stuff[/quote]

what do you mean compile a kernel and and then load it using the shell???? do you mean in order for an average home PC user like me needs to know or must be a programmer in order for me to use Linux? is Linux that hard to install? or the installation of a Mandrake 9.0 is just like the installation of a typical Windows OS?

 

[Abzstrak]

what do you mean compile a kernel and and then load it using the shell???? do you mean in order for an average home PC user like me needs to know or must be a programmer in order for me to use Linux? is Linux that hard to install? or the installation of a Mandrake 9.0 is just like the installation of a typical Windows OS?

no, you dont need to be able to program to use it. Just think of it as if you are a new user. Think of the time when you were completely new to using a computer and knew nothing about how to use it, this is where you'll be at. You'll know how to use the mouse, and what generic computer terms mean, but you will not know how to do anything. Do not have any preconceived notion that because you know how to do things in windows, or that your computer savvy on windows systems, that you'll have any clue how to do anything on linux. I think this is the biggest hurdle for most people attempting the switch, they dont like the fact that they have to start over, it makes them feel stupid.

Another way you can think of it is like this. Just because you can drive a car, dont think you can hop in an airplane and fly it without needing to learn some things. Linux is more like an airplane because it adds a new dimension to everything. Dont hop in and think that if you turn that yolk to the right that the plane is just gonna go right for you because thats the way it works with a cars steering wheel, or you'll be in for a rude awakening....In linux you have a great deal of control over the OS, but learning how to leverage it can be difficult at first.

If your ready to jump in a learn something new and have no problems looking for answers to questions, then give linux a try.... it never hurts to try new things, it good for you ;-)

 

[Battousai01]

so whats it gonna be? Linux Mandrake 9.0? or Windows 98 S.E.? Im going to use my PC for internet browsing, image editing (a lot like Adobe Photoshop), listening to mp3's, OFFICE WORKS like word processing and spreadsheet, in other words my PC is just for an AVERAGE HOME USER not SERVERS

thnx for all the replies! =)

 

[mcveigh]

actually I would go with redhat 8 or lycoris. I'ce heard mandrake 9 is buggy

 

[chillicotheweb]

I'd say do it! Go for mandrake 9.0 🙂

Mandrake 9.0 is the best distro for a person who is new to linux (better than Redhat 8 IMHO).

 

[SinfulWeeper]

Originally posted by: Battousai01
so whats it gonna be? Linux Mandrake 9.0? or Windows 98 S.E.? Im going to use my PC for internet browsing, image editing (a lot like Adobe Photoshop), listening to mp3's, OFFICE WORKS like word processing and spreadsheet, in other words my PC is just for an AVERAGE HOME USER not SERVERS

thnx for all the replies! =)

Mandrake will do all that with the possible exception of the Adobe Photoshop. However with enough time you may be able to port it into Mandrake as it runs on MacOS X, which essentially is linux. But that may take time. However there are other programs simalar to Photoshop for linux, including some rather nice built in tools.

My personal recommendation is wait for Mandrake 9.1, or 9.2 to be released as the .0's tend to still have bugs in them. Also while you can freely download the OS, I would recommend buying a powerpack. They come packaged depending on the type of powerpack with some neeto software. I think you would be more happy with it than just the Plain Jane OS. Here, you can check some of the things it comes with.

Hope this helps.

 

[Pauli]

I can already hear the cries of frustration that you are about to have, once you get your Linux discs, Battousai01.

You have stated that you just want a "no-cost" alternative to M$ Windows. I still assert that Linux is not for you. Linux is a computer enthusiast's operating system, not for a typical home user who just wants to surf the net and use some productivity apps. It sounds to me that you only really have a vague idea of what an "operating system" is. The complexities of running the Linux OS are gonna be very confusing to you. I still recommend you bite the bullet and stick with Winblows. There are free programs for Windows OS's for anything you are gonna want to do. The same is true for Linux, but there is a huge learning curve to getting the most out of a Linux system, not to mention the lack of help there will be every time you buy a new piece of hardware and can't get it to work out of the box.
Go ahead and try a Linux distribution if you like. If you stick with it, you'll be rewarded with knowledge and better understanding of computers and software. But this will not happen without a huge time investment - your family and friends will wonder what the heck you're doing in front of the computer at every waking moment.

 

[starwarsdad]

What he said......

Originally posted by: Pauli
I can already hear the cries of frustration that you are about to have, once you get your Linux discs, Battousai01.

You have stated that you just want a "no-cost" alternative to M$ Windows. I still assert that Linux is not for you. Linux is a computer enthusiast's operating system, not for a typical home user who just wants to surf the net and use some productivity apps. It sounds to me that you only really have a vague idea of what an "operating system" is. The complexities of running the Linux OS are gonna be very confusing to you. I still recommend you bite the bullet and stick with Winblows. There are free programs for Windows OS's for anything you are gonna want to do. The same is true for Linux, but there is a huge learning curve to getting the most out of a Linux system, not to mention the lack of help there will be every time you buy a new piece of hardware and can't get it to work out of the box.
Go ahead and try a Linux distribution if you like. If you stick with it, you'll be rewarded with knowledge and better understanding of computers and software. But this will not happen without a huge time investment - your family and friends will wonder what the heck you're doing in front of the computer at every waking moment.

 

[Need4Speed]

I've honestly tried not to get involved in this thread as I knew that I would probably have not much to add that hasn't been said already, but I feel I should add my 2 cents as well...

I'm going to cut to the chase and keep it short and keep in mind this is only my opinion and nothing personal:

I get the strong feeling that LINUX will not be for you. As mentioned already, LINUX is nothing like windows. Although with the growing development of KDE and GNOME, long strides have been made to make LINUX point and click....but it doesn't change the fact that behind it all LINUX takes some dedication and resourcefullness to learn.

For example, in most cases (depending on the distro) inststalling apps is not as simple as clicking on a setup.exe file. There will be dependency problems and other frustrating issues (regardless of apt-get, etc). I'm not sure that I get the vibe that you are up for all of that.

It seems to me that your goal is not to learn LINUX, but rather find a free alternative to windows (been said already). Re-read some of these threads and look into the free software that you can run in windows and I think you will be much happier.

However, should you decide to try linux, I wish you the best of luck. There are a lot of places online to get help and of course GOOGLE should become your best friend. Not to mention the great help on this forum. But be forewarned that the expectation to do some research on your own is always there. In the end you'll feel like you accomplished something by learning it.

-P

 

[Battousai01]

ok, if you are to choose, use legal software w/c is free like Linux or resort to PIRACY and use illegally copied software?

what if you dont have enough money to buy all the beautiful apps Windows has, would you consider using Linux because of all the free stuff in it?

 

[Abzstrak]

ok, if you are to choose, use legal software w/c is free like Linux or resort to PIRACY and use illegally copied software?

what if you dont have enough money to buy all the beautiful apps Windows has, would you consider using Linux because of all the free stuff in it?

yes, use it... just know its an OS, not a windows replacement. Have you tried it yet? At least try Knoppix like previously suggested.

 

[NorthenLove]

Sorry man but this guy should stick with windows. It's obvious he doesn't have the desire to learn anything new. He just want's some thing for nothing without paying for it. Yeah sure you can get stuff for free if you go the Linux route but it will cost you time and patience. He doesn't sound like he has time or the patience to learn the in's and outs of a new OS. Again he just wants windows and it's apps for free. More then likely he will come back ranting about how "Linux sucks because it's not like windows..blah...blahh...blah." In the end Battousai01 stick with windows because you seem to like it a lot but don't like paying for it. To this end I say it's just the cost of living in that windows world of yours that you have to pay for everything you use and most of the time you aren't even paying to own it but too use it. With Linux you get things for free but at the same time it cost you time and patience to learn how to use it without stumbling. So basically everything in life has a price whether it be monetary or the time it takes you to learn something new. In the end everything worth using is going to cost you one way or another.


P.S. Something's maybe freely available in the Linux world but people do expect you to help out every once in a while with a donation or purchase if you really like something. It's only right that you do contribute like this if you are being given the opportunity to "Try before you buy" by all these Linux programmers/companies that put out free full versions of their software for you to use/try.

 

[Regalk]

And to add my 2¢ to this interesting thread.

The issues raised in the last post is very valid re: supporting the Linux community etc.

Some answers to the original questions:
"sorry to ask but can anyone tell me exactly what is Linux?" - This has been hopefully answered by now. But still I wouldn't ask a question like this on the net before doing some research first! After all that's is why the net is there.

"and is there different types or variants of it?" - hmmm! I'll pass

"would Linux be advisable to use for a home user like me who uses the PC for word processing, spreadsheet, internet browsing, listening to mp3's, watching videos" - the answer is yes.

"...playing games etc." - this is usually the tricky part. But as one post said you can get quite a few games to run. I do not play games so this is irrelevant to me.

"BTW (Im planning on getting the OpenOffice for my PC to be totally legal!)" - Open Office is a "free legal" download.

"whats the best Linux OS out there?" I have downloaded RH8 Mandrake 9, Lycorix and Lindows. After a few weeks with each I finally ended with Lycorix customized the way I want it to be. I dual boot WinXP and Lycorix.

"and is it advisable for average home users?" - why not. Its perfectly OK for students and home use - just make sure you have decent HW that are already recognized by the various distros (most HW acquired in the last 2-3 years are fine - do not get a KT400 SIS 648 or say an Asus P4PE for example and expect it to work out of the box since these are very very new HW)

 

[Superwormy]

If you can afford 10 or 20 hours and a format, Linux / Unix is definitally at least worth a try.

It's definitally not windows, and it definitally requires some time to relearn everything you know... but once you get used to it, its pretty damned neato.

 

[Toxic]

After reading all this, I'd have to go with what Northenlove said.

Not everything in Linux is free. The OS is free, but as already stated a few times - YOU need to read up on it. YOU need to configure it, etc. Everything has a price, one way or the other. If you install Linux, know this. It has a learning curve, and you can easily thrash the whole system if you are careless, or don't know what you are doing when logged in as root (which at somepoint, you will have to be to configure this or that).

If your sole intent is to be legit, OpenOffice.org is available on windows.

There's alot of free windows software, that are as good as anything else out there, some of it better than any thing out there. Here's a few examples.

AVG antivirus
Sygate Personal firewall (best firewall on the market, IMHO. Wish they made a linux version)

Point is, Windows has free software. If that's your concern, stick with windows.
If you want an Office app with some kind of support, then look at StarOffice. It's fairly cheap compared to MS Office.

Linux, as someone else said, is an Operating System. It's not a free version of Windows.