Linux/GNOME?
Alright. So, I was thinking about using Linux. Only thing is, I need some opinions on it. Does anyone use it here? How do they like it? What kind of programs can it run, and what are its functionalities? I want some personal opinions on this one.
Also, what exactly is GNOME? I looked on their website but I'm not entirely sure what it is.
Gnome is a window manager. It's one of the more popular ones. Generally its counterpart is said to be KDE, though there's a lot of good, free window managers out there, and it's really all up to taste as to which one you use, since the fine particulars of them all run pretty different from one another.
I use it off and on - occasionally there's some functionality missing here or there that would seem small, but it drives me crazyReally, you shouldn't go into it expecting a free version of Windows. Everything is done significantly different between the two. Like, you can't natively run windows programs - it can be done with Wine, though the results of that can vary from "perfect" to "totally borked." But there are a bunch of natively made apps to replace the functionality of Windows programs that generally do it quicker and better.
I guess here's some pros and cons.
Pros:
- Completely free, down to the source. You won't ever have to worry about a $200 license for a Linux distro (well, some are commercial, but they always offer free versions). Generally all of the software available for it is free, as well, which is a really significant thing - you can get professional level applications completely free, with source.
- Rock solid. You can leave Linux up and running for months with no problems - it's just that effecient at managing resources, unlike Windows, which makes your system bog way down. It just doesn't happen on Linux.
- Secure. You won't get viruses or spyware on it - most of those are written to target the normal, unsuspecting Windows user. Frequent updates to various pieces of software in your system make sure you stay up to date with all of the recent security patches.
- Powerful and versatile. A Linux box can be whatever you want it to be, from gaming rig to office computer to server technology to an educational pc, and on and on and on.
- It's fun. It really gives you an opportunity to own your OS and do whatever you like to it, the process of which is educational and entertaining. You'll learn a lot about computers if you really get into Linux.
Cons:
- It's not Windows. Some would say it's a pro, but if you're absolutely set in your ways of how you like your OS (Windows-like), you'll probably be disappointed.
- Hardware support can be limited. Actually, most of the time, it's not. Printers and wireless network adapters, though, tend to cause problems, which required a relatively hackish solution.
- It can be hard. If you want to use Linux, you have to get used to the idea of constantly having a command-line terminal open to really get into things - a lot of newer distros are implimenting GUI controls to make it easier on new people, but the fact of the matter is that if you want to do anything significant on your system, you'll be trudging through the command line. Also, you'll have to do a lot of your own footwork. A lot of times when you go to boards asking for help on [x] small problem with your OS, they'll tell you to google it, because it's something that's likely been asked many times before. So get used to doing lengthy, thorough google searches and searches of your distro's message board before asking for help.
So there you go. Really, it's a wonderful experience, even if you just do it as a side project. I recommend Ubuntu Linux, just because it makes things really easy for a first-time Linux user.
Hey, thanks a ton for the info.
So, could I uninstall XP from my laptop and put Linux on it? Or would that not work?
And is the command line thing hard to get the hang of?
Have you used DOS?Originally Posted by Genji
There's some different syntax but you're interfacing with the computer in the exact same way.
I have really really basic DOS knowledge. When I first came acustomed to computers, I started with Win95. I used DOS for a little bit and then my dad got 95, but my dad could probably help me get the hang of it more. He used to use it all the time and I think he has a book of it, and it doesn't seem too hard anyway.
It would work, but it's generally recommended to partition your hard drive and use a bootloader to dual-boot between Windows and Linux - that way if your Linux install completely breaks and doesn't support any of your hardware, you at least have a fallback. If partitioning and installing a bootloader sounds daunting, don't worry; most distros have this as a standard part of the installer and make it really easy.
Also, it should be pointed out that the command line isn't DOS. It's similar, in a way, just in how you type in commands and such, but beyond that it's quite different. In that, no, it's not particularly hard to get a hang of if you're willing to learn it. Generally if you find step-by-step guides for something online, they'll explain each step, so you should be able to pick up commands here or there along the way.
Also, I would highly recommend buying a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Linux-Dummies-7th-Dee-Ann-LeBlanc/dp/0471752827/sr=8-1/qid=1159823656/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-2179383-6991301?ie=UTF8&s=books"><i>Linux for Dummies</i></a>. When I put Linux on one of my computers, I found it a very good tutorial for learning how to use and get around Linux. The other reason I liked it is that it showed you how to do things from the command line so that you won't have to rely on a GUI to get things done.
It's also nice because it comes with a DVD of a couple of different Linux distributions on it.
Alrighty. Thanks for the info guys. Also, is it hard to install Linux on a computer? My dad tried it a while back and he said you have to know what you're doing.
Depends on the distro. Ubuntu is dead simple to install, where a full-on Gentoo install takes a careful hand and insane knowledge of all of the features of your own PC.
Alright. If I do decide to use Linux, I'll definately go with Ubuntu.
EDIT: And also, did you say there was a program to help run programs on it? Cause' I definately want to run Photoshop and stuff on it.
Last edited by Sylvie; 10-02-2006 at 10:42 PM.
Generally if you want to use some program, your best bet is to find a Linux program that does the same thing. For example there are a lot of image manipulation programs (Gimp etc.) that are as good as Photoshop, depending on what you want to do. Some Linux programs suck, some are as good as their Windows equivalents, and some are better.
If you absolutely need to run a Windows-only program, you have a couple choices:
1. Use WINE, which is sort of a Windows emulator. Pros, it works sometimes. Cons, it can be very hard to set up and get working, and it only works for certain programs.
2. Use VMware or another virtualization program, (which lets you run Windows in its entirety while still in Linux). Pros, it works extremely well and will run almost any Windows program. Cons, it's not free (though there are free versions) and it can be hard to set up too.
3. Dual boot. Pros, it's guaranteed to work. Cons, you have to reboot your computer every time you want to use a Windows program, which sucks, and communicating / transferring files between OSes can suck at times.
Okay, thanks. I'm downloading Ubuntu right now, and then I can burn the ISO onto a CD.
If you're still unsure about installing Linux, you can always boot Ubuntu off the CD and run it from there as a fully funcitoning preview of what it would be like without touching any data on your hard disks at all
Yeah. That's what I'll do.
Does Ubuntu support that?
Use slackware! I highly reccomend it. Ubuntu seemingly falls short on being too user friendly, and installs much like windows (dodnt forget your "admin" pass ). I would suggest getting command line savy, as it is often much easier than navigating gui to say, set your hardware or software clocks.
Anywho, on gnome vs kde, I suggest KDE by far. KDE is more windowesque imo, and it is very much less processor intensive. If you plan on using ubuntu, and you wish to use KDE, simply download Kubuntu. If you are a christian, there is a christian version of ubuntu out there somewhere as well.
Bipper
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