I don't like Windows.
RustySpoon
Join Date: 2003-07-10 Member: 18069Members
Join Date: 2003-07-10 Member: 18069Members
in Off-Topic
<div class="IPBDescription">Should I install Ubuntu?</div>I bought that <a href="http://www.notebookreview.com/price/default.asp?productFamilyID=1181&ref=list&display=priceDetail" target="_blank">new laptop</a> I was talking about. I asked the guys at the shop if I could get an XP key instead of the Vista one, but they told me that tablets don't really work on XP, and I believed them.
I hate Vista though. It's like an old American car, cool, but guzzles way too much fuel, and needs way too much maintenance. I've heard a lot of good things about Ubuntu though, but the main issue everyone seems to be having, is that it's not compatible with most "main-stream" proggies. I'm sure there are a lot of open source alternatives for everything though.
Now I'll be using the laptop for things like Warcraft and paintshop, among other things like media. I'm not new to computers, but I've never used linux, so is it worth it to change OS's? I enjoy some challenges, but I'm not ready to stay up all night just so my computer can find my soundcard.
So, what are your experiences with ubuntu/linux? What kind of a hassle am I in for if I want everything working properly?
I hate Vista though. It's like an old American car, cool, but guzzles way too much fuel, and needs way too much maintenance. I've heard a lot of good things about Ubuntu though, but the main issue everyone seems to be having, is that it's not compatible with most "main-stream" proggies. I'm sure there are a lot of open source alternatives for everything though.
Now I'll be using the laptop for things like Warcraft and paintshop, among other things like media. I'm not new to computers, but I've never used linux, so is it worth it to change OS's? I enjoy some challenges, but I'm not ready to stay up all night just so my computer can find my soundcard.
So, what are your experiences with ubuntu/linux? What kind of a hassle am I in for if I want everything working properly?
Comments
Have you considered the free upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows Mojave?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Really, I don't understand the hate for Vista. I've yet to have a single issue with it and I'm not even using it on a powerful computer...
Have you considered the free upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows Mojave?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--quoteo(post=1687935:date=Sep 11 2008, 11:55 PM:name=Xyth)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Xyth @ Sep 11 2008, 11:55 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1687935"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Really, I don't understand the hate for Vista. I've yet to have a single issue with it and I'm not even using it on a powerful computer...<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
It's not like I haven't given vista a go, I just don't think it's very good. And besides, I think it's about time I tried Linux.
BTW the point of this thread was more along the lines of discussing the transition to Linux, not whether or not Vista is good.
And Mojave is a joke anyway. You think a 10 minute presentation of a trained marketer showing off the best parts of an OS is a critical opinion?
Vista itself is pretty stable nowadays.
Linux is nice and all, but you'll be searching for alternatives for windows only software, or trying to get them to work with wine.
Warcraft 3 appears to run okay with wine<a href="http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=3126" target="_blank">http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?...on&iId=3126</a>
Paint shop pro.. not so <a href="http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=application&iId=6523" target="_blank">http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?...on&iId=6523</a>
GIMP is a suggested alternative, are you willing to switch?
About hardware compatibility, I found this: <a href="http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=873188" target="_blank">http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=873188</a>
I like Linux, I really do, if only there were (better) drivers and (more) games for it.
ninja-edit: Just download the <a href="http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download" target="_blank">ubuntu installation cd</a>, it's a livecd too, so you won't need to install anything and will be able to see if it supports your hardware.
Honestly I don't know what to ask, as I really have no idea what to expect.
<!--quoteo(post=1687955:date=Sep 12 2008, 03:12 AM:name=Zaggy)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Zaggy @ Sep 12 2008, 03:12 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1687955"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->That laptop should run Vista just fine.
Vista itself is pretty stable nowadays.
Linux is nice and all, but you'll be searching for alternatives for windows only software, or trying to get them to work with wine.
Warcraft 3 appears to run okay with wine<a href="http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=3126" target="_blank">http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?...on&iId=3126</a>
Paint shop pro.. not so <a href="http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=application&iId=6523" target="_blank">http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?...on&iId=6523</a>
GIMP is a suggested alternative, are you willing to switch?
About hardware compatibility, I found this: <a href="http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=873188" target="_blank">http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=873188</a>
I like Linux, I really do, if only there were (better) drivers and (more) games for it.
ninja-edit: Just download the <a href="http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download" target="_blank">ubuntu installation cd</a>, it's a livecd too, so you won't need to install anything and will be able to see if it supports your hardware.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
The main fear I have in terms of hw support is whether things like the active digitizer and media quick launch buttons are supported. I'm all up for open source alternatives to common programs.
Another concern with linux is disk partitioning (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_partitioning" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>). If you've never done this, you'll want to learn about it and specifically do some searches on what Linux needs to run at peak performance: size of the swap area, data formats, etc. You also may want to dual boot, and if that's the case, make sure you leave the better part of your drive for windows because windows likes a lot of elbow room, so to speak.
You might also want to check out Mepis: <a href="http://www.mepis.org/" target="_blank">http://www.mepis.org/</a>
A guy at work raves about it. It's based on Ubuntu, but it tries to make an even more refined Windows-like experience while still giving you all the consoles you want.
And lastly, I would like to extend my condolences for the mental anguish you'll be feeling when you try to get your Linux tablet to connect to a wireless network.
I only have seen one issue on one pc of a friend of mine. He tried Vista and didn't like it so he wanted to go back to XP pro... However it seemed the master boot record (MBR) of the HDD was screwed up by Vista and XP couldn't be installed, because it couldn't find any hard drive... A lowlevel format had to be done to fix the MBR, not sure if that is what they are talking about. But if this a common fact from running Vista and trying to go back to another OS. You might also run into trouble with Linux...
<!--sizeo:1--><span style="font-size:8pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->PS XP issue vs Tlaptop.
Only thing I heard is that it has some issues with the active digitiser if you use a Wacom TPC pen from the older Cintiq's (which are now called something else <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" /> ) to get more pressure sensitivity... Which I might add doesn't do a whole lot in terms of actually feeling any difference... The only difference between the intuous3/cintiq and cheaper models is the resolution of the pen/screen, that is where you feel it. Not the levels of pressure<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->but they told me that tablets don't really work on XP, and I believed them.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Never go back to them again, they either lied or their terrible with computer knowlage, <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/tabletpc/default.mspx" target="_blank">behold</a>
I hate Vista though. It's like an old American car, cool, but guzzles way too much fuel, and needs way too much maintenance. I've heard a lot of good things about Ubuntu though, but the main issue everyone seems to be having, is that it's not compatible with most "main-stream" proggies. I'm sure there are a lot of open source alternatives for everything though.
Now I'll be using the laptop for things like Warcraft and paintshop, among other things like media. I'm not new to computers, but I've never used linux, so is it worth it to change OS's? I enjoy some challenges, but I'm not ready to stay up all night just so my computer can find my soundcard.
So, what are your experiences with ubuntu/linux? What kind of a hassle am I in for if I want everything working properly?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Based on my personal experience, I would recommend against installing Ubuntu. While I appreciate Linux and tried desperately to like it (I ran Ubuntu for a few months, then Windows XP, then Fedora for a few months), it just is very troublesome. There are things that are a hassle in Windows, certainly, but I always found myself needing to read through pages and pages of documentation at least once or twice a week for my Linux installs. I also constantly struggled with my audio and video systems, which seemed determined to work improperly. I am a programmer and there are certain aspects of developing on Linux that were great (and I think Vim and EMACS are pretty cool), but the negatives just proved too much for me.
If your tablet use is extremely minimal, I wouldn't predict too much trouble in switching. But if you do anything other than browse the internet and type essays (and this includes playing MP3s, burning CDs, in some cases watching YouTube videos since Flash support seems in a constant state of flux), I would recommend sticking to Vista.
The one generalization I'll make about the Linux community is it seems very scattered, and it kind of reminds me of (what I've heard of) the United States under the Articles of Confederation, where you'd have New York currency that was worthless in Pennsylvania, even though both states were part of the same union. It's similar to Linux: certain packages are built for certain configurations, so some KDE programs won't work in Gnome or certain ALSA programs won't work if you have OSS or something like that (can't remember specific details), even though they're all built for the same OS.
Suppose I'll stick to Windows then. I will be <b>upgrading</b> to XP in the near future though.
It's always the same when you get people saying "I hate windows!" or "I hate microsoft!" without explaining what they actually want out of an operating system instead.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
That's a little harsh isn't it? There's a difference between saying that you don't really like windows and would like to find something better and just flat out hating on windows. I would call this more of a light-weight trade study. No need for recriminations.
No, it really is the corporations man. The corporations are like totally pure evil man.
Yes I know that apple is also a corporation, but apple is made on love! Windows is made on hate and money and power and all that other bad stuff.
Seriously though, if you plan on playing video games go with WinXP or vista. If not, then go with some linuxos.
I hate Vista though. It's like an old American car, cool, but guzzles way too much fuel, and needs way too much maintenance. I've heard a lot of good things about Ubuntu though, but the main issue everyone seems to be having, is that it's not compatible with most "main-stream" proggies. I'm sure there are a lot of open source alternatives for everything though.
Now I'll be using the laptop for things like Warcraft and paintshop, among other things like media. I'm not new to computers, but I've never used linux, so is it worth it to change OS's? I enjoy some challenges, but I'm not ready to stay up all night just so my computer can find my soundcard.
So, what are your experiences with ubuntu/linux? What kind of a hassle am I in for if I want everything working properly?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Don't expect to do any gaming without a hassle
Yes I know that apple is also a corporation, but apple is made on love! Windows is made on hate and money and power and all that other bad stuff.
Seriously though, if you plan on playing video games go with WinXP or vista. If not, then go with some linuxos.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
If love means selling overpriced hardware, then you bet your ass, apple is ######ing built on love.
My biggest problem with Ubuntu is with my ATI video card (ATI should really put more effort into Linux) which is giving me bad performances on graphics.
There is also the fact that even if 90% of all Linux software is free, it does not garantee that you will find something looking and acting exactly like your favorite software on Windows. So if you do find a compatible one, you have to learn how it works and most probalby have to learn a few operational procedures too.
Also, those Windows haters would not want to give up on their games. Chances are, they will probably work on a Linux O/S but through a 3rd party software and that depends also on how well it will work. There is this Cedega software that is a branche coming out of the Wine development, who says it can run just about any games out there. I have not tried it as I still have a few games that made me keep my Windows XP.
So if Windows haters are willing to cope with these facts and don't mind starting from scratch (does not mean all O/S act like windows in every single ways), then sure they can try a Linux but I would recommand doint it with a dual boot first (Windows + Linux). As to which Linux to use, I have no recommandations.
<i>Linux Blows</i>
I know, I'm about to get flamed like crazy, but its true. Linux has gotten to the point where it looks decent enough on the surface, but trust me when I say that its an illusion. The way things work underneath that apparently nice GUI (which you'll come to find out is very limited) guaranties that you will have problems. The usual solution offered for these problems is one of the following 1) Whatever you were trying to do you don't really need to do anyway 2) Try distribution X 3) Fix the code and submit a patch that will be ignored (see 1 for why) or, if you're really lucky 4) Spend no less than an hour and up to 10 hours fiddling around with various config files, compilers, libraries, or what have you until it sort of almost works.
Seriously, its a huge waste of time unless all you want out of your computer is a web browser. And then be prepared for flash to not work right.
It's the most user friendly Linux distro out there (and you will soon realize it has a long ways to go).
I only recommend Linux to people who are hardcore programmers and really enjoy messing with computers, even when stuff goes bat###### insane.
I've used Linux a few times, and it is extremely easy to screw up your entire install in like 5 seconds. You'll change one video setting in your xorg.conf, and bam, there goes your nice gui and usually most people say "Screw this, back to Windows" or they reinstall and say "I'll never do that again".
As much as people bash Windows, it's really one hell of an OS, especially for all it can do. Yes, there are small annoyances, but spend a day or two getting everything working smoothly, and use it for a month, and I can't exactly see how you could go back to XP without kicking and screaming. Graphics performance used to be the big negative for Vista, but Nvidia and ATi are working a lot better with Vista, and it is now basically equal to XP performance with SP1 and latest drivers (+- a bit).
/e i been playing with backtrack 3 also via usb boot disk, its pretty fun to crack peoples wifi and rename them something ridiculous.