To Linux or not to Linux that is the Question

bootneck02 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 11:35 PM

Well now here a thing, I have just received my CD from the Linux Shop with Ubuntu Heron 8.04 and intend to dual boot with XP on a very cheap PC I purchased so that I have a PC that I can play about with whilst doing the A+ Technicians course without screwing up my own treasured Vista PC. Can someone tell me why there are many people so vociferous ether against Linux or for Linux and against Windows or Mac. I would have thought that open source would a good thing, obviously not for Microsoft but for the PC user, education schools & colleges and for industry as they would not get fleeced for the restrictive licences from Microsoft. So why the controversy.

I also understand that Linux I s far better protected against attack from hackers etc so security is far better, but what about drivers for hardware does Linux support all hardware for example I have a Auzen X-Meridian 7.1 sound card with a Logitech Z5500 sound system will Linux support that and a GT8800 video card. As you can see I am a complete virgin as far as Linux is concerned and appreciate a few comments.

owen · #2 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 11:59 PM

The thing is, it's fear of unchartered waters and unfamiliarity. Linux OS's are capable of doing the same as Windows or Mac, but as with the differences between Windows and Macs, Linux is different again. Microsoft have a monopoly and most hardware and software works with Microsoft software. However, the Linux community is strong enough to produce applications and drivers for the same purpose, something which they usually do. I tried to do a switch to Linux but it is very very difficult because everything has to be adjusted, something which people don't want to do when they have everything ticking away nicely.

For example, Linux doesn't have the licensing to provide some proprietary formats like WMA and WMV of Microsoft. I wouldn't be able to use Visual Basic in Linux for my college course.

I also think Linux suffers due to the many different distributions available. This is really confusing for users and means that Linux lacks a definitive brand and brand image, making advertising and promotion extremely difficult. Because Linux distros range from friendly home user interfaces to fully functioning sever software, Linux can't be marketed as just "Linux". I think Linux are at a disadvantage, because people trust big brands, huge companies to deliver, when the Linux community actually does a darn good job.

The fact that Linux is more secure is open to debate. You can't accurately assess this when the market share is so small and hackers are less likely to target. The one thing that does maker Linux appear more secure is the fact that is Open Source so anyone in the community can look for security flaws and help fix them when a problem arises. Such an active community allows flaws to be shut quickly.

bootneck02 · #3 (**permalink**) 17-09-2008, 02:38 PM

Hi again all, and need some help, I have now got two Linux download discs one is Simply MEMPHIS 7.0 and the other is Ubuntu 8.04 as yet I have not tried to install ether. The 500gig C drive has been partisioned to 250 gig (C drive) for the existing XP OS and 214 gig (D drive) for the potential Linux OS.
1) What do I need to do now.
2) Which of the 2 Linux OS is the better for a novice (I am not into writing programs)
3) How do I install into the D drive.

Any help would be apreaciated or a link where I might get help would be a help.

PS The pc is not as shown in my signature and is :-
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penguinpaul · #4 (**permalink**) 17-09-2008, 08:32 PM

i would reccommend you use ubuntu, it has a nice easy to use desktop, and everything seems to work

bootneck02 · #5 (**permalink**) 19-09-2008, 03:22 PM

Thanks Paul, do you have any idea how to download it on to my partisioned C drive? Sorry about this seems to be rather basic but I am a virgin at this

I will be downloading it on to the D drive.

penguinpaul · #6 (**permalink**) 19-09-2008, 04:06 PM

Well, if you download the Live CD, it will be an ISO. Burn it, and boot up your computer with it in. It will load up inside ubuntu. You can even use the OS from the disc

From here, there is a partition and install wizard.. Does it all for you

You can even get cannocal to give you a free disc of it, but it takes a few weeks..
If you want to get a disc of it rather than download the big file, ask and i'll find you the link

Kaistar · #7 (**permalink**) 20-09-2008, 04:45 AM

Yo bootneck, would you perhaps mind giving your opinions on switching from Windows to Linux? I've previously considered Linux before but the fact that it does not support iTunes and I've a 160GB iPod kinda scared me away...

rokytnji · #8 (**permalink**) 20-09-2008, 09:35 PM

Linux will support itunes using wine Kaister.

(Update) How to get iTunes working in Ubuntu Ryan Orser’s Blog: All about Tech!

rokytnji · #9 (**permalink**) 20-09-2008, 09:57 PM

Bootneck, Just my 2 cents worth, Mepis 7.0 comes with codecs already installed and is a fine operating system. Ubuntu has a larger support base and is more widely used. I ran Mepis for awhile and Utube and other videos plus DVD worked right after install. I later installed Ubuntu Hardy later just out of curiosity even though Mepis was running like a champ. Ubuntu took a lot more setting up than Mepis to get things right. When you do your install check out my help links to coach you through. I believe on of them is a video for a mepis dualboot install also. Just substitute Mepis 7.0 for the 6.5 that the tutorial shows. If you choose to install Ubuntu There are some good links in my help post for that also.

I would suggest you install the Gnome desktop version as in my opinion it is the superior desktop right now. I know others might tend to disagree with me but KDE 4.0 is kind of buggy right now. Alot of people are keeping their KDE 3.5 version right now.

One of my links shows you how to install software and the authors preferred applications where he installs software for what he considers the perfect Ubuntu Hardy Heron Desktop. I used it to enhance mu Ubuntu O/S.

As you stated hardware drivers can be a pain because software propriertary drivers usually are wrote for just windows. Linux uses "ndiswrapper" and "wine" to get around this at times and also like Owen said alot of drivers are being wrote by the open source community. I haven't had to use anything other than Linux drivers to get my systems working, even wirelessly. My printer which is a old Lexmark Z645 which is not linux friendly by the way, I got working in Ubuntu using Linux drivers with a bit of research.

Have fun with it and good luck with your install, just pay attention to passwords you enter and user names you enter. (Real Important)

bootneck02 · #10 (**permalink**) 20-09-2008, 11:29 PM

Hi all thanks for the replies, well I have downloaded Ubuntu Heron dual booted it on my XP PC, No trouble there as yet I have no troubles with the drivers, but may have when I try to use the printer as it is networked with my wifes PC running XP. Some of the the things I have found out so far is there is no need for anti spyware software and the firewall is automaticly downloaded on installation, the tools to keep the hard drive clean and clear of rubbish and keep the registry are also not required as Ubuntu does not have a registry. It also means everything you have learned about Windows forget and re learn how Ubuntu functions, a forum I have sign up with is as follows and has links with other Linux forums which I have found helpful .

Ubuntu Forums forumdisplay.php?f=326

I thought some of you also might find it useful as well, as it only deals with Ubuntu and other Linux based OS.
Thanks again for the help all, back to trying to fathom out the new OS.