Linux Is A Handful

[Rayek]

Hello!

The saga of the switch continues.

I'm really excited as the installation of Mandriva Linux went flawlessly, and the bootloadter offers the option to boot with Windows OR Linux, so I don't lose all that money spent on games and such.

Other than that, Linux has been a total PAIN.

Okay, admitting that I'm a total and entire Linux noob, some problems are expected.

But I am FLOORED! I can't perform even the most simple tasks like switching keyboard layouts with a shortcut in GNOME, I can't even install programs (error messages show up even though I am doing EXACTLY what the READMEs say), or even find them on my computer to run them.

It seem I will have to rethink technology as I know it.

Aside from the official noob stuff, I have been bombarded with programs that either are meant to serve a function but do it horribly, or simply don't work they way I'd assume they were designed to work. For instance, I've tried out several media players that were preinstalled on my system by Mandriva, and all of them work horribly. I can't load my files in the database to be easily accessed, and when a program likes and sees that I have media, I can't even play the files.

I haven't tried a DVD player yet.

Other than being a noob AND programs simply not working, I find myself getting error messages that I can't decode, or figure out what's wrong.

So it's only and upward climb from here.

Before the flame war happens, I'm not dissing linux at all.

 

[Nintendo]

Well, you know what they say?...Practice makes perfect, so keep your head up and do your best. I know you won't, but don't give up on Linux anyway ok, as it's a million times better than MS.

 

[slygamer]

If it was a million times better than MS, then it should be better to use, right? Wrong. Why do so many people, myself included, find everything so frickin' difficult in Linux? That's not my definition of "better".

I'm with Rayek, except I am dissing Linux. When things in Linux work straight out of the box without having to edit obscure config files hidden away in the mess of directories, or compile the code to suit your system, then it may start to gain acceptance in the mainstream. Until then, I'll stick to what I can pick up and use straight off the bat, and that is Windows.

If MS is so evil, why are all the UIs for Linux striving so damned hard to copy the Windows UI? And they're doing a poor imitation at that. I've tried several different flavours of Linux on home machine at various times over the past few years, and each time is a reminder to myself that I should never have tried it.

 

[WarmFluffyUK]

In my books Linux is okay, but it is better suited to a server environment. Windows is more suited to the home desktop environment.

 

[moz]

Hello!

The saga of the switch continues.

I'm really excited as the installation of Mandriva Linux went flawlessly, and the bootloadter offers the option to boot with Windows OR Linux, so I don't lose all that money spent on games and such.

Other than that, Linux has been a total PAIN.

Okay, admitting that I'm a total and entire Linux noob, some problems are expected.

But I am FLOORED! I can't perform even the most simple tasks like switching keyboard layouts with a shortcut in GNOME, I can't even install programs (error messages show up even though I am doing EXACTLY what the READMEs say), or even find them on my computer to run them.

It seem I will have to rethink technology as I know it.

Aside from the official noob stuff, I have been bombarded with programs that either are meant to serve a function but do it horribly, or simply don't work they way I'd assume they were designed to work. For instance, I've tried out several media players that were preinstalled on my system by Mandriva, and all of them work horribly. I can't load my files in the database to be easily accessed, and when a program likes and sees that I have media, I can't even play the files.

I haven't tried a DVD player yet.

Other than being a noob AND programs simply not working, I find myself getting error messages that I can't decode, or figure out what's wrong.

So it's only and upward climb from here.

Before the flame war happens, I'm not dissing linux at all.

​

sounds like you expected "linux" to be like windows, its not, linux is the kernel which X sits on.

dont give up though, im sure you have a valid reason to use "linux"?

how many years have you been using windows? youve accumulated many years of windows experience, you need some "linux" experience now.

me? i use KDE on Freebsd

goodluck

 

[moz]

If it was a million times better than MS, then it should be better to use, right? Wrong. Why do so many people, myself included, find everything so frickin' difficult in Linux? That's not my definition of "better".

I'm with Rayek, except I am dissing Linux. When things in Linux work straight out of the box without having to edit obscure config files hidden away in the mess of directories, or compile the code to suit your system, then it may start to gain acceptance in the mainstream. Until then, I'll stick to what I can pick up and use straight off the bat, and that is Windows.

If MS is so evil, why are all the UIs for Linux striving so damned hard to copy the Windows UI? And they're doing a poor imitation at that. I've tried several different flavours of Linux on home machine at various times over the past few years, and each time is a reminder to myself that I should never have tried it.

​

linux isnt a direct replacement for windows- the nearest "unix" that is is MacOSX

why are you trying to replace a windows operating system with a different operating system comparing the way it works to windows?

 

[moz]

In my books Linux is okay, but it is better suited to a server environment. Windows is more suited to the home desktop environment.

​

i agree with that, although X and KDE i find is also suited to the home desktop market.

 

[g_sus]

You should try PcLinuxOS, it was the first Linux distribution I was able to install and use succesfully for more than two days.

 

[unlucky]

I always switch for a while but soon taspring / hl2 / dod / css calls me back to windows. But now i've got a full 1gb of ram i couldn't complain about xp at all its very responsive

 

[gp32rich]

Right here is the reason that Linux is not for beginners or people that expect it to JustWork(tm)

PCLinuxOS is currently under heavy development and should be considered beta software.

You never know whether some bright spark has decided something should work in a different manner between one release and the next. (viz. the conversion between subsequent versions of GCC <_<)

 

[slygamer]

linux isnt a direct replacement for windows- the nearest "unix" that is is MacOSX

why are you trying to replace a windows operating system with a different operating system comparing the way it works to windows?

​

I'm not looking for a Windows replacement. I was trialling it to see if it was feasible for use on my home PC. The answer each time was a resounding "no" because things JustDidNotWork. Sure, I could have tried to hunt down the latest source for hardware drivers, recompiled the kernel, got the latest patches for various system libraries, gone through dependency hell trying to install packages (app X needs library version 1.2.3.4 but this crashes app B that requires library version 1.2.3.5). Was I going to do all that? No.

Why do I compare it with Windows? Ask yourself, why are the window managers such as KDE and Gnome trying so desperately to look and act like Windows?

 

[Hanz™]

Yeah this is why I have not really made the switch myself, I know so much on DOS and windows that it would really be a big step backwards.
The main problem would be having to use the prompt on linux, I am really used to it on Windows and know 50% of the commands, but it would just really confuse me on linux - and you need it much more on linux as far as I know.

 

[Trip]

I started with Linux a couple of years ago & had exactly the same problem as most of u.
It's not easy switching from an operating system that u can do most of the things u want with, to one that can sometimes make u feel very lost.
Linux is mostly a case of going online & tracking down info. Hit the forums, read books & check out tutorials.

To ease the transition, the KDE desktop would be better to use than Gnome as it's more advanced & requires u to use the command line less.
If u want a good distribution where 90%+ of things just work then try Ubuntu (Gnome) or Kbuntu (KDE). Ubuntu/Kbuntu has been made to be the Linux distribution that just works.
If u want to get to grips with the command line & don't mind loads of reading up on stuff then try slackware (rearly good for servers etc.).

After about 2 years I still know sh*t when it comes to Linux. After 2 years of using Windows I pretty much nailed the system & could do what I wanted.
Why do I still try Linux? because I recognise the potential.
I've learnt more in 2 years of using Linux than I ever did in over 10 years of using Windows systems.
If u know how to use Linux properly, then your not limited the same way as u are with Windows.
Linux is constantly an ongoing learning experience a bit like programming

 

[Rayek]

linux isnt a direct replacement for windows- the nearest "unix" that is is MacOSX

why are you trying to replace a windows operating system with a different operating system comparing the way it works to windows?

​

I'm not looking for a Windows replacement. I was trialling it to see if it was feasible for use on my home PC. The answer each time was a resounding "no" because things JustDidNotWork. Sure, I could have tried to hunt down the latest source for hardware drivers, recompiled the kernel, got the latest patches for various system libraries, gone through dependency hell trying to install packages (app X needs library version 1.2.3.4 but this crashes app B that requires library version 1.2.3.5). Was I going to do all that? No.

Why do I compare it with Windows? Ask yourself, why are the window managers such as KDE and Gnome trying so desperately to look and act like Windows?

​

I actually see the Linux UIs like GNOME as a real big step up from Windows. Especially the multiple desktop environment. I'm teetering between slygamer and the Linux-positive extreme. I say, the best thing I can do is just exclusively use Linux in order to at least get the swing of it. The only thing that dos/Windows has over linux is my extensive experience with the "c:\cd doom\doom" way of things. And the only reason I'm so familiar with that is just from tinkering around with it for years (since DOS, and even after, since Win3.1...) So the best thing I can think of is to immerse myself COMPLETELY into a Linux environment. It WILL be hell, even for a few years, but I can do it, and I will. I'm tired of the Windows UI, I'm tired of paying for sometimes-terrible software I didn't need.

 

[darkman]

I am using Linux on my home desktop. I use it in my everyday computing. I do have a duel boot on my desktop, but I almost never go to the Windows side any more. (There are dust webs on my Windows side) I started out experimenting with Linux on an old spare computer around three years ago. After playing with it for a while and trying different flavors of Linux resulting in finding one that I liked. I took the plunge. I put it on my main desktop. I now have it on both of my laptops along with my desktop. The next computer rig I build will be totally Windows free. Linux does have a learning curve. It does not serve you breakfast in bed like Windows does. I use my computer to surf the net, word processing, desktop publishing, Xmame (linux game emulator), ZNES (another linux game emulator), listen to music, downloading stuff, bring work home, etc. I am able to run some Window programs that I use daily through the program "Crossover Office." I even run Microsoft Office with this program in my Linux environment! And I do not lose data any more!! In my every day home computing use, Linux has been a life saver. It has been an end to the frustration I had with Windows.
I would suggest you start with the KDE environment and gradually get the feel of things. KDE has more of a Windowsey feel about it. But you need to remember "you are not in Windows any more."
I have found that Linux offers tons more stability and is safer from computer viruses. Once I got the handle on using Linux, I have had no problems. (Find a good "how-to" book.) The more you use it the more you will learn about it.
You might discover hardware related issues when it comes to things that will only work with a Windows OS, like a Win modem. As Linux is becoming more usable, this is becoming less and less common.
One Linux Fanboy here! :lol:

 

[Rayek]

I am using Linux on my home desktop. I use it in my everyday computing. I do have a duel boot on my desktop, but I almost never go to the Windows side any more. (There are dust webs on my Windows side) I started out experimenting with Linux on an old spare computer around three years ago. After playing with it for a while and trying different flavors of Linux resulting in finding one that I liked. I took the plunge. I put it on my main desktop. I now have it on both of my laptops along with my desktop. The next computer rig I build will be totally Windows free. Linux does have a learning curve. It does not serve you breakfast in bed like Windows does. I use my computer to surf the net, word processing, desktop publishing, Xmame (linux game emulator), ZNES (another linux game emulator), listen to music, downloading stuff, bring work home, etc. I am able to run some Window programs that I use daily through the program "Crossover Office." I even run Microsoft Office with this program in my Linux environment! And I do not lose data any more!! In my every day home computing use, Linux has been a life saver. It has been an end to the frustration I had with Windows.
I would suggest you start with the KDE environment and gradually get the feel of things. KDE has more of a Windowsey feel about it. But you need to remember "you are not in Windows any more."
I have found that Linux offers tons more stability and is safer from computer viruses. Once I got the handle on using Linux, I have had no problems. (Find a good "how-to" book.) The more you use it the more you will learn about it.
You might discover hardware related issues when it comes to things that will only work with a Windows OS, like a Win modem. As Linux is becoming more usable, this is becoming less and less common.
One Linux Fanboy here! :lol:

​

Thank you for that post.. it has made me X amount more optimistic about Linux.

I actually find that GNOME is really easy to use, and is better than KDE in many respects, like running scripts without having to open up the console and input it yourself (I've had problems where it says that the file in question isn't there... even though I'm looking at it...).

The frustration really sets in when I try to install programs. And even thereafter, when I try to find the programs I managed to install to use them. Even ZSNES is a pain to unload. So is XMAME.

As far as word processing, I find OpenOffice really easy to use, even moreso than Word, and it can, and does save with the .doc extension, so when I'm running Windows I can just pick up where I left off (providing, of course i transfer the files to my shared FAT32 volume). This is really helpful, and even by the day, Linux is growing on me.

One thing that's bugging me:
Is there an alternative to the prebundled music players? I'm having SERIOUS troubles with amaroK and Rhythmbox.

 

[DemonStar55]

I switched the SuSE 9.3, right before 10.0 came out, haven't switch back to windows unless it's to play a game, but I got WINE for that, but for some reason it doesn't work well with steam because steam just sucks. I also used Windows for ripping CDs untill I found Grip, so now I use like like 99% of the time. I agree compiling things from source can be annoying and sound above your head at first but all you need to do is go into the terminal / consol / w/e it's called on your distrobution, cd to the directory ( on SuSE you can just go to the directory in Konqueror and drag the directory into Konsole and CD to it), then ./configure and if you get an error go get that program, and once ./configure works type make, test out the program, then type make install if you don't want to leave it where it is.

EDIT: also try to look for .rpms .debs or what ever your distrobution uses
RPMs: http://rpm.pbone.net/

SuSE only RPMs: http://linux01.gwdg.de/~pbleser/

also try to find the wiki for your distrobution

SuSE wiki: http://www.susewiki.org/index.php?title=Main_Page

 

[DemonStar55]

One thing that's bugging me:
Is there an alternative to the prebundled music players? I'm having SERIOUS troubles with amaroK and Rhythmbox.

​

amaroK is made for KDE but should work on Gnome if you have some libs installed, well Gnome programs work on KDE so I imganie the same for KDE on Gnome

try XMMS, winamp 2.X clone but doesn't have a media library for it , there is a plug-in but you need some other thing to run it and I was too lazy to install that at the time so I use amaroK

 

[Series-8]

amaroK is garbage, use XMMS or try out the new beepmp. XMMS supports everything winamp does (nearly). Not that I use WA much...imho is a pos.

Linux is a solid OS. App wise it bites. Its true, it does. Also the hardware situation really has gotten better in recent years. Somewhat tricky to configure... (ok sometimes its really arcane)

If you want ease of use try Mac OS-X, I hear they use a Mach BSD kernel of some sort.
An 'easy' to use UNIX...ha ha.

Linux is ready for the masses. The masses arn't ready for Linux.
:rolleyes:

 

[Rayek]

I assume any distro has a bootloader that can see Windows and allow me the option to boot to that...

Every distro has its own pluses/minuses, and I'm just testing the Mandriva waters, and they're kind of cold. I do like the option to load into either KDE or GNOME or more, that offers a lot of options on how I use my computer. I don't think Ubuntu is a good choice, simply for that fact. As I recall, you have to have Kbuntu to use KDE, and as of now, I'm not sure which UI I like better.

SuSE seems really good, I hear it's bundled with a lot of nice things that max out your PC's potential in Linux, which I like.

I'm having troubles with WINE, I tried to run a really simple NES emulator and the screen went wacky. So I've been afraid of WINE since. At least I got it to install and run...

I'll have to give XMMS a go... If it gets skins and a media library, It'll definitely be my choice..

One problem: Whenever I install programs, I can't find them to use them... Where did XMMS install to? Where did all the other things I un-rpmed install to? I know, Linux Noooobb