4 Reasons people are not using linux

[wdhpr]

the linux community is so anti-Microsoft that they ignore the contributers to Micro-soft because linux refuses to go mainstream to satisfy a very strong and vocal fanatic base!


I wrote this while working in my Simply Mepis OS

[wdhpr]

Originally Posted by jim

I must admit I know nothing about Linux. I understand (from what I am told) that it does just about everything that Windows does and is better and safer. However, (and once again this is just something I am told), the one thing it does not do is run games. Now my wife and I are of the "Silver Surfer" generation. Well my beard is silver - I don't have much hair. I love tinkering with software and editing the registry etc. etc. but for relaxation we play games. Tomb Raider, Max Payne and so on. As a result, when I had to upgrade and buy a new laptop for her and a desktop for me they both had to be capable for game playing. Now if you tell me I am wrong and that Linux DOES play all these games I feel great fun coming on in uninstalling Windows, installing Linux..............

For a tutorial on the command line check this out?. It uses slightly different commands than DOS but if you are familiar with dos its easy to get the hang of it.

[wdhpr]

watch, listen and learn. I would love to have s spare computer to test drive linux platforms. I dont. So I go to fourms and learn from expierence

I use mepis by a dual boot setup that loads grub to my linux root. Stopping the grub boot manager from making a tossed salad of my MBR: Master boot record portion of a sensitive spot on your hard drive.
something to think about maybe

Cheers
Wdhpr

[Jillian]

Originally Posted by Anupam

I think that the main problem with Linux is the huge number of distros available. If a user wants to try Linux out, he would be overwhelmed by the number of distros, and confused too, as to which one he should choose. The diversity acts more to the disadvantage of Linux, since each distro has its own package manager, or other things different to the other distros. This makes it quite difficult. In contrast, there is only Windows to choose in case of MS Windows. If someone wants to go for Windows, he would just go for XP, or Vista, and there is not much difference in the way they operate, or the way they manage things.

And Linux is really not for the average users at all. Things are not simple, right from installation. Although things are improving, and tasks are being more and more simpler, but still, the fact remains that, the real power of Linux lies in the command line. That's its USP. And that thing won't change I think. To utilize the full power of Linux, you have got to make use of the command line. And that is not for average users. To use Linux, certain amount of knowledge, and reading, about Linux, about its command line, about its style of operation... its necessary to know that.

Thats why its still being difficult for Linux to become a main-stream OS, or OS for normal/average users, like windows. But still, all these points do not
hinder the fact that Linux is a great and excellent OS... its secure, its powerful, its efficient, in the hands of the one who knows about it.
Most people might not know, but internet was started because of Unix. Almost all of the web servers today are Unix/Linux machines.

Linux will stay, but to reach an OS status like Windows and permeate into the mainstream to reach normal users, there is still time for it. Hope the things improve soon.

I do agree with that. That is why I have never tried Linux. Just too many choices. Don't know which one to choose. Too overwhelming for me. Also It is difficult to use. I am a simple gal who likes simple things. Not a techie.

[wdhpr]

Linux does seem a bit daunting.
But linux should be a process not something to jump into. Try reading some articles at the numerous linx websites. You could start with This Site at Linux.org
A place to check out the various Distro's: Distrowatch
This page list the most popular distro's It gives a brief pro and con for each distro.
Go slow and educate yourself about linux. In my opinion Linux has the potential to give windows a run for its money considering its release of Vista.
Nothing to fear but fear itself.

Cheers
Wdhpr

[Anupam]

Originally Posted by Jillian

I do agree with that. That is why I have never tried Linux. Just too many choices. Don't know which one to choose. Too overwhelming for me. Also It is difficult to use. I am a simple gal who likes simple things. Not a techie.

I do agree, that Linux is difficult to use. And if you like things simple, then Windows is the better choice over Linux. Anyways, if you want to try Linux out and see what it is like... you can download any live CD like Puppy Linux, or Damn Small Linux. These are very small downloads.... just about 50 MB or so... and are excellent ways to start with Linux and have a feel. You can also get Linux live CDs along with some computer magazines. Try it out .

[bk_7312]

Originally Posted by Anupam

I do agree, that Linux is difficult to use. And if you like things simple, then Windows is the better choice over Linux. Anyways, if you want to try Linux out and see what it is like... you can download any live CD like Puppy Linux, or Damn Small Linux. These are very small downloads.... just about 50 MB or so... and are excellent ways to start with Linux and have a feel. You can also get Linux live CDs along with some computer magazines. Try it out .

Yes, I agree. I myself have downloaded Puppy Linux and find it great and easy to use. Installation is simple and quick and the interface is great. The only problem is that you need to get used to it (which is easier said than done) and spend some quality time with it. There's plenty of Microsoft substitutes so no worries (unless you're a programmer or something).

P.S - The latest release of Puppy 4.2 is 100MB, DSL is 50MB.

[Jillian]

Originally Posted by bk_7312

Yes, I agree. I myself have downloaded Puppy Linux and find it great and easy to use. Installation is simple and quick and the interface is great. The only problem is that you need to get used to it (which is easier said than done) and spend some quality time with it. There's plenty of Microsoft substitutes so no worries (unless you're a programmer or something).

P.S - The latest release of Puppy 4.2 is 100MB, DSL is 50MB.

Yes , I have read on those sites mentioned in above posts , but still find it daunting. Beside that , I happen to like Vista. Never had a problem with it. I'll leave Linux to the more daring type people.

[bk_7312]

Originally Posted by Jillian

Yes , I have read on those sites mentioned in above posts , but still find it daunting. Beside that , I happen to like Vista. Never had a problem with it. I'll leave Linux to the more daring type people.

You know what they say, if the hat fits, wear it. Same goes for OS, if Vista suits you, use it. I for one would like to give Linux a spin. After seeing how MEPIS operates, I can't seem to stop myself from "playing" with it, it's too addictive, much better than XP (in my opinion), but I know that some people will disagree with me at some point that Windows is better in Linux, but hey, that's my computer, I do what I want with it. Nevertheless, Linux can't completely replace Windows yet, there will always be some important softwares or hardwares that will always require Windows.

[Bob]

Originally Posted by jim

... for relaxation we play games. Tomb Raider, Max Payne and so on ...

Hi Jim

Any favorite free games to recommend or review for the Games section?
All input welcome!

I think this thread would be a good place to post (with Tony's permission, of course).

Bob