Originally Posted by alk

The last time I downloaded VMware would be... about 7 months ago. And VMware comes with an Ubuntu iso image. I also run Backtrack2 - http://www.remote-exploit.org/backtrack.html
So a 7 month old version of Ubuntu.

I honestly cannot BEGIN to comprehend the MASSIVE leap forward the majority of Linux distros have OBVIOUSLY made since I last installed Linux permenantly on a box.

Another VALID reason I run windows is so I can use MathCAD and ProEngineer for University coursework, of which MathCAD is only available for windows, and there is a port of ProEngineer for Linux thats in the early stages, but its really only available on windows.

Im getting the impression you seriously doubt that Ive ever even touched a Linux distro and that Im secretly a Linux hater! You and THG just keep hounding me for more reasons why I don't use Linux, of which I'm assuming the obvious time aspect to set-up and configure everything has been considered. And more importantly do I WANT to spend the time setting something up again when I've already tried it and concluded that it's not worth the effort?

Linux is the tinkerers DREAM OS. Sometimes I'm like that (Hence DFI board!) but sometimes I just want a PC that works so I can actually use it rather than trail through pages and pages of a forum trying to work out how to configure my Broadcomm chipset wifi adaptor or enable a bigger screen resolution in Xserver or any other number of configurations that one has to undertake to achieve desireable desktop conditions!

I've been at both sides of this arguement before. The for and against (Believe it or not!). When I used Linux and I also had the time on my hands to configure it I thought it was the bees knees, but now I run a tight schedule and I dont have time to configure everything and search forums for solutions. It's definately not a practical solution when windows runs everything I need it to run, is something I'm already used to, and boots faster.

Lattyware, you asked for both sides of this issue, and I have given you plenty of valid points as to why I choose not to run Linux. I respect why others use Linux due to its modularity, ability to modify programs if you're good at programming, and even design your own hardware in certain situations. At least try to respect why I and many others don't run Linux daily.

Originally Posted by GibbyGano

My only problem I have ever really had is the fact that I can't get my Linksys Compact G USB Wireless Adapter to work in OpenSuSe 10.3, otherwise...Linux makes me happy.

Originally Posted by lattyware

I'm personally a big fan of Arch's Pacman (best. name. ever.) and ArchBuild system.

Originally Posted by bdattilo

I have used Linux, and yes it is nice, but here is why I do not use it now, and don't recommend using it:

I am in the IT service field. I help people with problems, and about 80% are very computer illiterate. Because of that, I have to know computers inside and out, and know how to explain things to them. So, I use Windows, like 95% of home and business users. I keep up on updates, problems, how to configure all sorts of hardware, etc. My home use helps me keep up with everything. Sure, Linux is free, looks good, but it is a pain to configure correctly. Put in new hardware, and it pretty much hates you. This is impossible for the general computer user. Help can be found on the internet, but most of the time it is buried in forums and documents.

Unless Linux can break into mainstream IT support and hardware configuration, it's market share on the personal side will never make any gains. Servers are another story, since there are dedicated techs for them. If I worked on that side of IT, then sure, I might run Linux at home. But right now, it does not make sense. The support web for Windows is so broad, and unless Linux can match that, I hardly see it going mainstream.

Originally Posted by biatchi

I second that:S It freaking rox.


I was thinking about this before, It's true that the vast majority of computer users are tech-******* ( harsh but fair i think ), And while Linux is getting easier to use use at a extremely rapid pace it is miles away from Windows in terms of retard friendliness. I really hope that Linux doesn't end up having a gui app to configure absolutely everything because that's just going to bring bloat and slowness. I use Arch so i guess i need not worry about that but I'd hate to see all the 'big' Distros making their releases so fat and slow to be as easy to use as Windows that it puts people off giving Linux a proper go on the grounds that it's slow.

^^That may be somewhat unreadable and broken-English like, My brain just isn't working very well. I know what I'm trying to say but can't seem to get it from my head to the keyboard lol

Zomg the swear filter errr... filters the word for more than one retard, What the hell is with that?

Originally Posted by lattyware

I never disrespected that point. You appear to be taking offense rather easily. 7 months is a long time in the Linux world, that's one full release of Ubuntu. A lot can change.

No one is forcing you to partake in this thread, you can leave, ignore me, do whatever you want. I am simply giving opinions and asking for yours. Your confrontational tone in this post seems odd, if you ask me.

The point you made about having to spend ages setting it up is just something that again, isn't true. Now-a-days you can run linux and it works off the bat. Yes, sometimes there are hardware issues, but these can be (99% of the time) solved quickly and easily, because as soon as one person has the problem, someone is working on a fix.

I never said you were a Linux hater, but this is a thread for discussion and discovery. It is not a place for simply stating reasons why you don't think it's worth your time. By all means try both and come back to tell us why you dislike/like this version, but just flat-out refusing to try it based on what you know already is pointless.

I'd rather appreciate a return to a more civilized discussion that better addresses the point at hand, rather than something which is degrading slowly into less and less friendly tones, towards an argument.

My challenge is to try Linux and then give points on what you liked, didn't like, what you will now run (Linux/Windows/Dual Boot?) and why.

Anything else belongs elsewhere. I am not trying to be a priest telling you all to convert to Linux - although I don't hide that fact that I think that's the best choice. Do not misinterpret what I am saying.

Originally Posted by R3ap3R

Lol.... I would sig that if I had room

Originally Posted by alk

Ah it would appear to be a classic misinterpretation of the Kiersey type INTJ. I am a very aggressive debater as you've seen, but don't worry, I'm far from taking offense. Think of INTJ's as machines rather than human beings, and thats the sort of level of emotion we have! My apologies if you were intimidated by this or found it uncomfortable!

What do you recommend for a reliable dual boot config? I have used GRUB bootloader before installed onto my MBR, but this caused problems when I tried to remove the bootloader later on. One thing I would like to do is get a distro installed onto my second partition, and try and get that Cube3D desktop thing working with KDE.

Originally Posted by GibbyGano

My only problem I have ever really had is the fact that I can't get my Linksys Compact G USB Wireless Adapter to work in OpenSuSe 10.3, otherwise...Linux makes me happy.

Originally Posted by biatchi

I really hope that Linux doesn't end up having a gui app to configure absolutely everything because that's just going to bring bloat and slowness.

Originally Posted by alk

Another VALID reason I run windows is so I can use MathCAD and ProEngineer for University coursework, of which MathCAD is only available for windows, and there is a port of ProEngineer for Linux thats in the early stages, but its really only available on windows.

Originally Posted by alk

Im getting the impression you seriously doubt that Ive ever even touched a Linux distro and that Im secretly a Linux hater!