Does anyone here use Linux?

Thank you for your comment!I use Ubuntu on both my laptop and desktop, though for years I used SuSE as primary. I switched earlier in this decade when I managed to install support for DVD's in a matter of hours in Ubuntu, which was a task I had worked on and off on in SuSE for years (had been the major reason for dual-booting, actually). I have played with Red Hat, used DSL linux to keep an old laptop (120 MHz Pentium, 32 MB RAM, 1.3 GB HDD) alive and usefully functional for years, used Puppy Linux, Knoppix, tried Mandriva back when it was still Mandrake without success because back in those days it was more of a challenge than I was willing to undertake to add ATI support to the OSS edition... They say that SuSE is better at detecting and utilizing winmodems, which is a boon for laptops, but I am hesitant to try them since Novell joined forces with Microsoft. Instead, I'll probably make my next laptop purchase an Ubuntu lappie from Dell, so that it isn't an issue (I keep an external modem for the odd times at client homes when I need to dial out). My kids enjoy Linux, and I fear if I left the debian line behind my youngest would revolt because she loves the apps in the debian jr section of the repositories (grin). Back about 10 years ago when I first started testing the linux waters what impressed me was that my kids (who could break a Windows install very easily) weren't able to crash linux, and while I know there's complaints about game support, they were more than happy with the game selection... In fact, they were some of the primary reasons I kept slogging through despite a rather rocky start lol!Currently I do run Windows 2k in VirtualBox for those odd times when I "have" to run an Windows app, and I have Vista on VirtualBox to test and explore on my desktop. But my primary OS is Linux, for an assortment of reasons... Thanks again for commenting!

Mandriva is a good distro for those new to Linux; so is Ubuntu, IMHO. What made you decide to try out Linux? Do you use a modem to connect to the internet, or another method? It is definitely challenging to set up Linux; it is a lot easier now than it used to be, and getting easier with each new release.... I congratulate you on getting it up and running! Each person who comes to Linux ends up trying several different distros, I think: I started with SuSE and stayed with it for years, though I tried Red Hat, Mandrake (Mandriva's old name) and others. Once I stumbled upon Ubuntu and tried it I had found what I was looking for (though I still download the others to play and explore)! I hope you will enjoy your adventure with Linux, and I will be glad to help you any way I can! Good luck! Lynda

Personally, both my laptop and desktop are running Ubuntu (grin!). I switched a while back! To me, it seemed one of the easier distros to set up, and getting DVD's to play was a breeze! Took me 2 hours out of the gate to enable DVD playback my first time, and I wasn't very successful in other distros! As all operating systems, Ubuntu isn't perfect, but it is easy to use and they have a wonderful user base in the forums! You can use the live CD, play with it, and if you like it give it a whirl! Or install VirtualBox in either Windows or Mandriva and try it out in a virtual terminal without having to worry about the chore of partitioning right now! Believe it or not, I have Windows installed on virtual machines on both of my computers, as well as other versions of Linux I am experimenting, but I feel that gives me the best of both worlds. I use Linux for day-to-day, but when I encounter something I need to do in Windows (Like practicing how to network with Windows), I just fire up Windows, do what I need to, and turn it off when I'm done! It's like having several computers running at once, but with only two physical machines! Check out the Ubuntu site at www.ubuntu.com, and then decide for yourself. You may not like it, but I think it's actually easier than Mandriva (but I'm prejudiced). Above all, just have fun! That's what it's all about, anyway! Peace, Lynda

Hi again! I've decided to try linux because I like computers and I saw a lot of discussions about linux in many forums. I was very tempted by this OS and decided to try, and I don't regret it !! :) The installation was very easy (expect for the dual booting thing) and I think thatMandriva is very fast, it never freeze. On the contrary, I've formatted my computer one week ago and Vista is already lagging. (I have installed antivirus, firewalls...) But i'm thinking of moving to Ubuntu. What do you think? httpx (PS: I use a modem, and I'm connected to internet via wifi)

Dapper Drake is a great system! What hardware to you have that won't work with Linux? I hate that some of the linux distros freeze your machine; I've had that problem with some of them myself so I can sympathize! Was it hard to get things set up how you wanted them? Thanks for posting! Lynda

My Cannon scanner won't scan with Linux. I also cannot record sound with out buzzing, so most of my media I turn to Windows to do. Then hey, it is just a matter of time before Linux is doing it all. As an OS, it is moving much faster at bug fixes than Windows is. Even though Windows has better cooperation with hardware manufacturers via arm twisting.

I'm sorry to hear that your hardware isn't 100% compatible! Have you considered an upgrade to Gutsy 7.10? I had problems in earlier versions but I have an hp all-in-one and, expecting the typical hassle, plugged it in -- and before I could call up an "add printer" wizard, it popped up a message stating the printer was installed! I use ClamAV, and have firestarter for a firewall. I ran a test on my network, one before I started the firewall and one after. That firewall locks you down tight! I use Windows in virtualbox for the odd piece of hardware that I have yet to get working in Linux (mainly my multimeter and bluetooth adapter). That way I have the best of both worlds without rebooting. Also, it helps me to learn how to better network without having to invest in a whole scad of machines! I have recently dropped off a pc with Gutsy installed and setup for my boyfriend to play with. Kinda curious as to whether he likes it! Thanks for responding! ~Lynda

I'm afraid that Gutsy had the same problems only worse. * I'm content with the system I've got. At least I don't have to shell out $$ for security upgrades, they're free as in dirt. Swapping between OS isn't that big a deal for the sake of security, and I'm unable to rebuild my entire system due to $$ constraints. * At least the Linux team is keeping the security for the older operating systems up to date, (unlike Windows) and I was able to update my Firefox with a minimum of head banging. I unzipped the tarball, tucked it in my backup folder in my primary user folder and put a shortcut to it from the K-menu. * The same goes for the MacroMedia flash program. I copied and pasted the thing into the plugins file of Firefox. I know what a script looks like, so does Linux. I am also good at following directions. * Most of the rest of the Firefox crap installs by automatic, (I probably killed that grammar LOL!) so that's easy... * Ubuntu also has a nice forums and IRC channel for NOOB's and advanced users alike. * http://ubuntuforums.org/

Hey thanks for posting! I used to use SuSE several years ago, but initially switched because of DVD playback.... I had though about going back to them at least on my laptop because I hear they have better winmodem support and it would be nice to be able to use the modem on this thing if I needed it, but I'm just a little paranoid with the Microsoft deal, ya know? Take care! ~Lynda

Hey thanks for posting! I have heard good things about ArchLinux but have yet to try it for myself. I have a friend who uses it and loves it, though! Peace, Lynda