My First Impressions of Linux

[KingFo1]

Well, I finally completed my setup of Linux...just thought I'd share my impressions

First of all, the distribution I used was SuSE Linux Version 10.0, and I must say, other than the complication that the installation failed to detect my hardware RAID configuration and causing me to reinstall my 60GB IDE Drive, the installation went without a hitch.

It automatically detected all my hardware, and I didn't even have to setup any additional drivers, unlike Windows.

I also like the way it looks and feels...its cool, and stable.

I'll have to try it for a few days to get my bearings, but for now it gets two thumbs up from me.

Oh, and I noticed something...theres a spellchecker!!! It highlights my typos in red...wow.

[Hmph]

now to get all the cool open sourced freebies. and you should get StarOffice which will allow you to run all your Microsoft Office apps w/out losing anything.

pretty sweet huh? and now you have better security and more option.

[KingFo1]

Yeah, there are a few quirks to get used to, such as the compatability/library dependencies when you wanna install certain apps...but other than that, I'm more impressed by the second...hell, if it were my choice, I'd probably wipe Windows XP from my system completely! I wouldn't mind getting a better media player though...Banshee is kinda bland...

[Hmph]

you could always go Mac and have all 3 not to mention slamming media options.

but hey at least you're in the upper class now hehe

[KingFo1]

Yeah, now if I could only get used to the freakin conflicts with apps and other stuff...I'd be OK (I suppose thats ONE drawback of everything being open source)....heck, the rest of it is basically simple to use...and it look cooler too.

[Hmph]

trying to single step someone's mistake and I'm not mentally equipped for this. so rather than me wasting my time because it looks like some other function is missing, it's back to the drawing board for them.

you figured it's easier to look through and fix, but not when it's crappy and clearly looking like it's referencing the wrong variable.

probably one of those windows users

naah, not really complaining, but trying to watch Larry King now about the controversial book

[KingFo1]

Well, after having a bit more time to platy around with it, I've discovered the ups and downs, the pros and cons of Linux...

Pros:
Much more secure
Provides the same type of support for hardware that Windows does (In MOST cases)
The open source and freebies make it really sweet
There are so many Distributions out there that really open up alot of choices
ALL of the main applications that are available on Windows have Linux counterparts...and for FREE
Once you get used to the shell commands (Which aren't that much different from DOS), you can do alot more

Cons:
NOT for beginners...although that seems to be changing
Finding package dependencies can be frustrating
Compatability issues and bugs are more common, since programs are constantly being updated
The initial change can be painful, frustrating even

Overall, I like Linux. I'm burning another Distribution, (Mandrixa) right now to experiment and see which one I like better. Which distribution do you have anyway?

[Hmph]

Well, after having a bit more time to platy around with it, I've discovered the ups and downs, the pros and cons of Linux...

Pros:
Much more secure
Provides the same type of support for hardware that Windows does (In MOST cases)
The open source and freebies make it really sweet
There are so many Distributions out there that really open up alot of choices
ALL of the main applications that are available on Windows have Linux counterparts...and for FREE
Once you get used to the shell commands (Which aren't that much different from DOS), you can do alot more

these pros FAR outweigh the cons.

but for newbies, I tell you this is a good business for someone to offer Linux installs and even dual boot linux where w/a keystroke they can decide if they want to load Windoze or Linux. that way as they're getting adjusted they still have the familiar territory.

just knowing the "pros" should make more switch. cybercrime and other crazies are getting worse everyday.

the cool part about the Mac is both can be run simultaneously. but don't really need Linux since there's a built in unix interface.

I wish companies for online mail readers like yahoo and google would develop ascii text email readers only and THEN allow user to view email once they know what the contents contain. that would cut down on spam and other nonsense. google has a "Show source" which is what I get originally on desktop, but Google also loads the mail first as well.

I only use an ascii mail reader on desktop (unix like) so I get to see all the nonsense being sent and can forward it intact to law enforcement, esp. for virus doc. hysterical. url's just pop out to report, you name it, it's all in plain ascii text source.

that's a serious much needed security development and I know someone would gladly pay to reduce their spam and more. yahoo can start cutting expenses on spam. because the point is to load the images and other html content to know their mail is going through.

[KingFo1]

Yeah, I was talking about it with a few of my co-workers the other day...and one of them agreed that Linux would be the eventual way to go...of course I still have to use Windows sometimes, because thats what about 90~95% of computers use...and most definately in the corporate world I'm about to enter...but knowing Linux will give me an advantage somehow, especially if Windows dies and everyone starts running around like chickens with their heads cut off.

But anyways, I can't dual boot cause of my RAID setup, which kinda sucks...

[Hmph]

yeah dual boot would be nice. ironically when I reset up mine I gave Windows just enough space to load and open the die-hard windows docs.

because once I had Linux I had no reason to go back to Windows. when Linux was first installed on a laptop, I gave each OS 50% disk space, then on new puter about 75% Linux and 25% Windows w/the just the basic office apps