wondering about Linux and its many distros...

So ive been thinking about using Linux for a very long time now and I am just wondering what would be the benefits of going from windows to Linux...and want to ask what is the big thing about Linux that everyone likes.

 

I've been playing around with openSuse 10.2 for about a week and have been using it in addition to xp. What I like about it is that virtually all the programs you need are already included and that it's free. Also it seems to need much less system resources than windows. However if you need to use different software/games you're often out of luck as they will probably not work.
Since I have all the software I need for windows I just deleted Linux, not that I don't like it but I really don't need it.

 

One thing I like about Linux is it has live CDs. You can put it on a USB key and boot from it, into full linux environment. You can do all your work and then save all your user files onto a USB key. Think about the implications: 1. that means you can abstract the OS from the machine. Basically, you can just carry your USB key and work anywhere you like. You can stay at your friend's house and use his PC for work and not have to install anything. All your user files still get saved onto your USB key. 2. If you need security, you only need to encrypt the user folder on your USB key. No need to encrypt anything else. For a live CD, you don't write anything to the hard disk. Once you turn off the PC, everything is gone, except what you save onto the USB key.

Windows does not have live CD, nor do they even pay serious attention to it, which I think they should. Just this concept of abstracting the OS from the machine is very powerful.

This illustrates what I like about Linux. You're using the most advanced, forefront of OS technology all the time. Compare that to XP which is what, like five or six years old already? Stale technology...

 

- It's stable when configured properly (not to say that XP isn't).
- It's fun to use because it is something new and can be challenging .. but not overwhelming .. for new users.
- It's OpenSource .. so you can see the code and learn from it.
- You have complete control over your system.
- Tux the Penguin is cute.

For new people getting into Linux, I recommend "checking it out" by using a Live CD. Basically, you insert a Linux Live CD, boot your computer, and everything runs from the CD .. you won't mess up your existing OS while you play with Linux....well, unless you try really hard to mess it up

 

Challenging how so? and about the Live CD sounds very cool. But how would i get that to work with a USB key? Do i need to have a 2gb usb key or something? And could someone point me towards a good Distro with a live cd?

 

For a live CD, I would highly recommend Puppy Linux. It's small (< 100MB), entirely loaded in RAM most of the time -> i.e. fast performance, easy to use, and does a good job of detecting hardware (meaning it'll work most of the time without any manual tweaking.)

http://www.puppylinux.org

In the menu, there's a "Universal Installer" that'll install the OS onto hard disk or USB key. It's really easy. Since it's only 84MB, any USB key would do, even 256MB ones.

 

I like Linux for a multitude of reasons. It's faster, more stable, easier to install, easier to install programs for, free, has better programs available it (by default or download) and I get a higher FPS in WoW in Linux than Windows. Also, it looks prettier than Windows or OS X, and I can customise how it looks and runs however I like.

 

wondering...whats the diff b/w ubuntu and kubuntu etc.....and whats the differrence b/w KDE and GNOME? cause i really just dont know which one to pick

 

Challenging as in learning something new ... like golf or snowboarding or poker. There is a learning curve, but there is thankfully alot of help / assistance available for those learning it .... this forum would be an good example of such.

Live CD ... never tried on on a bootable USB stick .. but for a CD I think KNOPPIX is pretty darn sweet.

Kubuntu is just Ubuntu with the KDE windows manager. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong ... I've never used it, just read about it once)

To a user, KDE and GNOME are ... in very simple terms .. just GUIs ... Graphical User Interfaces ... kinda like skins on MediaPlayer .. they look different. To developers ... well ... they are totally different in how they work, etc.

I personally like KDE over GNOME ... The guy / gal next to me may like GNOME over KDE .... Install them both and see which one you like.

 

Ubuntu: http://shots.osdir.com/slideshows/slideshow.php?release=751&slide=4

Kubuntu: http://shots.osdir.com/slideshows/slideshow.php?release=752&slide=4

I personally prefer GNOME. GNOME and KDE have different technologies underlying how they render the windows and widgets (buttons, scrollbars, etc.) Generally, I've heard the comparison made as: GNOME focuses on incremental, evolutionary improvements to usability and consistency, whereas KDE moves at a more rapid pace. Whatever the case, you can install either onto any system (although not a LiveCD environment,) and pick which one you like.

 

Basically truth.

Eloquently stated.

 

QFT (Quoted For Truth)

There's no doubt that Linux is an interesting proposition. Sometimes it'll make you smile due to its simplicity and the fact that you can have a Linux machine running it a couple of hours rather than a couple of days like a Windows machine. Other times, you'll want to pull your hair out because you've followed the instructions on how to install a program completely and it still won't install. It's something new, and it can be both dubious and exciting at the same time. Therefore, it presents a challenge. Other than that, I pretty much agree with Lysander.

 

That's what makes it fun. Sometimes it's a contest of mental strength. But there is always a way to trip up the opponent.

 

Definitely agree. I love its confusing simplicity... yes I know that was a paradox, but it's true. It's easy to get everything up and running very quickly... but at times I scratch my head for hours trying to figure out something simple.

As for GNOME vs KDE... I prefer Gnome because it reminds me of OSX; KDE is nice too, but Gnome has a classic look to it.

 

I usually customise the base look a bit, so it makes no difference to me which I start from, but Gnome still has the lighter memory footprint.

 

I'm not really into Beryl/Compiz and whatever other "Eye Candy" options are out there. I just don't see the point beyond the wow factor...which goes away after a day. I'd rather have stability and performance.

 

I've found a version of Beryl that works for me. As stable as the base OS. I just have to watch out for ATi drivers playing funny buggers.

And some of the options in Beryl do increase my productivity. True transparencies and per-program opacity make using my computer much more enjoyable.

 

Do tell us about your Beryl version!

I haven't been able to get Beryl running without crashing/freezing and other issues with Edgy. I haven't tried it with Dapper (the Long Term Support Edition).

 

Well, I've found (in combination with Edgy and fglrx) that version 0.1.99.2 is the most stable. Other version gave me things like white screen and stuff, but I think this version is best.

In case you don't know who to chose version, search for Beryl, highlight it, and press Ctrl + e, and choose version 0.1.99.2.

Do that for beryl, beryl-core, beryl-manager, beryl-plugins, beryl-plugins-data, beryl-settings, beryl-settings-binding, libberyldecoration0 and libberylsettings0. You may have to reinstall emerald-themes after the operation is completed.

 

QFT once again.

I also prefer Gnome over KDE. Not only does it have a smaller memory footprint, but it just makes sense to me. Every time I boot into a KDE, I feel like I'm lost. I have a hard time finding things all the time. With Gnome, everything is natural and it fits like a glove; even moreso than Windows, which I've been using for 10+ years.

 

Really? Ugh. I hate Gnome. From a developer's standpoint, GTK is a horrible, ugly, half-arsed hack, complete with Windows-like registry, and their entire system is built with toothpicks. From a UI standpoint, I hate that they prevent me from changing many configuration options, except possibly through their registry-editor thing. The file dialogs do not by default allow you to access the full file tree without extra clicking, nor do they allow you to type in a full path without knowing the magic incantation of "ctrl+L". It may look pretty, but I'll take KDE's stability and good design any day over the ball of crap that is GTK/Gnome.

 

To the original question, I see several broad overlapping camps attracted to Linux. The "free software" people, who like the free (in money) operating system and applications; the "burning hatred of Windows" folks, who have finally had enough; the Open Source (guys)|(gals), who philosophically embrace that movement; and geeks, who just want to get inside their OS and snuggle up next to the radiator belt -- like cats, really.

 

I'm all three at once

 

+ 1. That's me too.

 

Ok so i have been using Ubuntu with Kubuntu desktop installed with it...and while it does seem very promising, it still gives me some problems during my every day usage...like trying to get internet to work when i move away from my home and get on campus...it took me about 1hr to get the wireless to work on campus. i had trouble getting drivers to work ie the touchpad. but besides from doing those things and i have yet to do others things that i might encounter i find linux to be some what troublesome at the start...especially with the whole trying to find a program to install or a codec. It is definitely different from XP in which i still do not grasp the way linux installs programs yet.

I try to use the synaptix prog manager to install things which i thought was pretty much simple but it was when i couldnt find a program i was looking for is when i stumbled upon trouble. Im somewhat tempted to go back to XP as it doesnt slow my progress in terms of studying when in linux i have to stop to fix a problem and search the forums to see how i can solve it.

Since im not much a programmer or what not im not sure if i should continue the usage of linux while i really believe its a great OS with lots of promise, i still dont think im ready yet. Unless i can find a distro that comes out to be really "plug and play" even though XP wasnt plug and play at all...lol.

K, last thing about my experience with Linux, i could maybe use a complete a guide on a noobs first encounter with Linux...a walkthrough of some sort when i first log in to a linux distro...what would be my first step in my journey through a linux distro etc..

Thanks for everyone's insights.

 

Well, this link has been posted before... maybe it will help

http://monkeyblog.org/ubuntu/installing/

 

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