A comment on Linux for the "average" user
- Thread starter Judland
- Start date
Thanks, cdn_bc_ca, I will check out those links. As for a G5 vs the sub500 setup, I agree, but it is always fun to work with something new. I'll probably always have a Mac as my primary machine, though. The G5 is all but flawless, I've had this thing for almost a year now and I've never had to reboot because of a crash. No, wait, one time I did get a kernel panic, but it came out of that just fine. This is one stable OS, mainly, of course, because of its UNIX core.
And Jay, thanks as well, and yes, I agree about the ram, nothing ships with enough ram.
And Jay, thanks as well, and yes, I agree about the ram, nothing ships with enough ram.
Re: RE: A comment on Linux for the "average" user
I've never tried the Linspire "retail" package, but I have tried the free version once before.
If you are timid with a PC, I would think it's a pretty fair choice for you. I think the major thing I didn't like about Linspire is that you're required to purchase software (from the Click-n-run "warehouse") when you can get the same software for free with other distributions.
However, if you prefer the one-click-no-questions-asked approach, perhaps the price tag would be wort it to you.
When I started with Linux, my first exposure to it was with Mandrake (now known as Mandriva). I went out and purchased a boxed set from FuturShop. I really liked it, especially the call center support.
I really didn't know anything about Linux back then, but the tech support I called really helped me out. The guy I talked to even gave me his extension number in case I had trouble completing the instructions he gave me. Very nice.
Keep in mind that, even if you purchased a Linspire box from Sub500, you could still install another distribution of Linux later on, if you wanted to. If they partition your hard drive correctly, you can even do so without losing any of your personal files.
Be sure to come back and let us know how it went. I'd be interested in knowing how you do.
Haggis McBagpipe said:
I've never tried the Linspire "retail" package, but I have tried the free version once before.
If you are timid with a PC, I would think it's a pretty fair choice for you. I think the major thing I didn't like about Linspire is that you're required to purchase software (from the Click-n-run "warehouse") when you can get the same software for free with other distributions.
However, if you prefer the one-click-no-questions-asked approach, perhaps the price tag would be wort it to you.
When I started with Linux, my first exposure to it was with Mandrake (now known as Mandriva). I went out and purchased a boxed set from FuturShop. I really liked it, especially the call center support.
I really didn't know anything about Linux back then, but the tech support I called really helped me out. The guy I talked to even gave me his extension number in case I had trouble completing the instructions he gave me. Very nice.
Keep in mind that, even if you purchased a Linspire box from Sub500, you could still install another distribution of Linux later on, if you wanted to. If they partition your hard drive correctly, you can even do so without losing any of your personal files.
Be sure to come back and let us know how it went. I'd be interested in knowing how you do.
Re: RE: A comment on Linux for the "average" user
I've gotten far more help - and better help - from the Linux community at large than I ever did from Microsoft, computer shop or IP provider regarding Windows. Hell, not even the IT guy at the office ever offered much useful advice when I asked him about Microsoft Windows.
No Linux user is ever alone with no support. There's a community of millions of us willing to help anyone out... for FREE, no less.
I guess I just don't understand people who think learning something new is a waste of their time and energy. So be it.
Jay said:
I've gotten far more help - and better help - from the Linux community at large than I ever did from Microsoft, computer shop or IP provider regarding Windows. Hell, not even the IT guy at the office ever offered much useful advice when I asked him about Microsoft Windows.
No Linux user is ever alone with no support. There's a community of millions of us willing to help anyone out... for FREE, no less.
I guess I just don't understand people who think learning something new is a waste of their time and energy. So be it.
Speaking about learning something new.... I guess Microsoft Windows users have got something new to learn about: Rootkits, as in the one Sony music is installing on thier PCs without them knowing about it.
The viruses that are taking advantage of this little XP "feature" have already started to spring up.
I guess there's also a price to pay for using the most "popular" OS, too. :wink:
The viruses that are taking advantage of this little XP "feature" have already started to spring up.
I guess there's also a price to pay for using the most "popular" OS, too. :wink:
RE: A comment on Linux fo
Well said Judland. There is a lot of help and support for linux out there. It is more of a community feeling than microsoft, always someone more than willing to help.
Well said Judland. There is a lot of help and support for linux out there. It is more of a community feeling than microsoft, always someone more than willing to help.
Re: RE: A comment on Linux for the "average" user
Good points all. I am not at all timid with a pc, but my husband would be the main user of the second computer, and he is not an experienced computer user. I want it to be user-friendly for him but interesting for me . . . you can see the dilemma.
I'm still a bit concerned that the price (at sub500.com) is just too good to be true. I checked the other sites and they are significantly higher. It seems there must be a catch but damned if I can figure out what it is.
I will keep you informed. I am getting bored with my mac. It is too perfect, ha ha.
Spoken like a true mac user, eh?
Judland said:
Good points all. I am not at all timid with a pc, but my husband would be the main user of the second computer, and he is not an experienced computer user. I want it to be user-friendly for him but interesting for me . . . you can see the dilemma.
I'm still a bit concerned that the price (at sub500.com) is just too good to be true. I checked the other sites and they are significantly higher. It seems there must be a catch but damned if I can figure out what it is.
I will keep you informed. I am getting bored with my mac. It is too perfect, ha ha.
Spoken like a true mac user, eh?
I had a look at the site.
There is nothing fancy about that machine to make it more expensive. It is a Celron chip, and they are cheaper. The sound, video, and network are all built into the main board, and those boards aren’t expensive. It isn't a DVD burner.....The case and power supply will be crappy garbage but it will hold the computer and the power supply will work. If not, they are only supporting the machine for a year anyways....The RAM is only 256 and it will be some generic manufacture no one has ever heard of and will carry a one year warranty. The good thing about this machine is it uses an Intel main board and chip. The board holding all the accessories should carry a three-year warranty from Intel, and so should the chip. Intel is by far the most respected manufacture of both in this class.
I would pick up a copy of XP Home to go with it.
I’m sure shipping is extra…and if you don’t live in Toronto and it has to go in for warranty service, that can be a hassle and adds to the overall cost of the machine.
You might be better off going to a local computer builder and getting a quote from them for a similar machine.
I don’t know what the speed difference would be between your Mac and this PC though. I would imagine that the Mac would perform better under heavy loads.
There is nothing fancy about that machine to make it more expensive. It is a Celron chip, and they are cheaper. The sound, video, and network are all built into the main board, and those boards aren’t expensive. It isn't a DVD burner.....The case and power supply will be crappy garbage but it will hold the computer and the power supply will work. If not, they are only supporting the machine for a year anyways....The RAM is only 256 and it will be some generic manufacture no one has ever heard of and will carry a one year warranty. The good thing about this machine is it uses an Intel main board and chip. The board holding all the accessories should carry a three-year warranty from Intel, and so should the chip. Intel is by far the most respected manufacture of both in this class.
I would pick up a copy of XP Home to go with it.
I’m sure shipping is extra…and if you don’t live in Toronto and it has to go in for warranty service, that can be a hassle and adds to the overall cost of the machine.
You might be better off going to a local computer builder and getting a quote from them for a similar machine.
I don’t know what the speed difference would be between your Mac and this PC though. I would imagine that the Mac would perform better under heavy loads.
Re: RE: A comment on Linux for the "average" user
People who can handle working out problems with computers should become familiar with Linux. It seems to have a culture all on its own, and it will give you an edge in the computer industry.
I work in the "Value Added Reseller" computer industry, and we sell at least 90% of the machines with the current Microsoft OPS. Being "OEM" distributors of Microsoft products we have to support the OPS when we sell it installed on a computer. There is plenty of support for Microsoft products simply by calling the phone # on the invoice you receive with the machine. (And it's free and so is microsoft.com)
Certainly isn't to say Microsoft hasn't provided us with plenty to do.... there have been some bad operating systems from them like Windows ME. Short lived for a reason.
XP and 2003 Server are the best platforms out there for support, reliability and versatility.
Judland said:
People who can handle working out problems with computers should become familiar with Linux. It seems to have a culture all on its own, and it will give you an edge in the computer industry.
I work in the "Value Added Reseller" computer industry, and we sell at least 90% of the machines with the current Microsoft OPS. Being "OEM" distributors of Microsoft products we have to support the OPS when we sell it installed on a computer. There is plenty of support for Microsoft products simply by calling the phone # on the invoice you receive with the machine. (And it's free and so is microsoft.com)
Certainly isn't to say Microsoft hasn't provided us with plenty to do.... there have been some bad operating systems from them like Windows ME. Short lived for a reason.
XP and 2003 Server are the best platforms out there for support, reliability and versatility.
Re: RE: A comment on Linux for the "average" user
Many thanks, Jay, for taking the time to check it out and comment. I will definitely take a look at the local market, as you suggest. At least now I can see why they're selling the things so cheaply. The beauty of it is, I'm not in a huge hurry, so I can take my time making a decision.
Many thanks, Jay, for taking the time to check it out and comment. I will definitely take a look at the local market, as you suggest. At least now I can see why they're selling the things so cheaply. The beauty of it is, I'm not in a huge hurry, so I can take my time making a decision.
Re: RE: A comment on Linux for the "average" user
I suppose another question is, what do you plan to do with your computer? Is it video editing, or 3D animation? Or are you looking for more of the everyday things, like web browsing, e-mail, word processing, home accounting, etc.?
I have a 1.2Ghz machine here, with 256MB of RAM and a GForce 2 Nvidia card, and it's been performing tremendously for everything my wife and I do. Kanotix and KDE is supper quick and snappy on it, and the multi-tasking just amazes me sometimes.
I can download files, burn a CD, play an MP3 and continue with my web surfing... no issues at all.
I'd be surprised if I'd have to replace anything on this machine (other than more storage space or another stick of RAM) in the next year or two. Even better, since it's over three years old already (except the motherboard, which I had to replace just recently due to a faulty capacitor).
You may just want to keep in mind that Linux, in general, performs better with the resources provided. Increasing said performance can be done simply by adding more RAM.
Haggis McBagpipe said:
I suppose another question is, what do you plan to do with your computer? Is it video editing, or 3D animation? Or are you looking for more of the everyday things, like web browsing, e-mail, word processing, home accounting, etc.?
I have a 1.2Ghz machine here, with 256MB of RAM and a GForce 2 Nvidia card, and it's been performing tremendously for everything my wife and I do. Kanotix and KDE is supper quick and snappy on it, and the multi-tasking just amazes me sometimes.
I can download files, burn a CD, play an MP3 and continue with my web surfing... no issues at all.
I'd be surprised if I'd have to replace anything on this machine (other than more storage space or another stick of RAM) in the next year or two. Even better, since it's over three years old already (except the motherboard, which I had to replace just recently due to a faulty capacitor).
You may just want to keep in mind that Linux, in general, performs better with the resources provided. Increasing said performance can be done simply by adding more RAM.
Re: RE: A comment on Linux for the "average" user
My pleasure.
If you’re not in a hurry then wait till Christmas and buy the machine for him then....kill two birds with one stone.
Prices should fall in the near future as Intel lowers prices on their higher end equipment....you might get a better deal after Christmas.
Let me know if you need more help making a decision...PM me if you wish.
Haggis McBagpipe said:
My pleasure.
If you’re not in a hurry then wait till Christmas and buy the machine for him then....kill two birds with one stone.
Prices should fall in the near future as Intel lowers prices on their higher end equipment....you might get a better deal after Christmas.
Let me know if you need more help making a decision...PM me if you wish.
Judland said:
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn8307
Do Linux users not have to worry about viruses?
I can't speak for all, but I don't.
I've got a firewall in place and I never use my super-user account unless I'm installing system-wide apps. or downloading system upgrades. It's been over three years and not one problem... for me anyway.
Now, don't anyone get their panties in a twist :wink:, I'm not saying you don't have to be vigilant. You still have to make sure you download your applications and upgrades from trusted sources. Which is nice to see many distros. now going to GPG signed package management. And never trust e-mails that contain attachments or URL links.
The Sony Issue:
I saw that yesterday, about Sony being sued. I think their actions are despicable. Even though their tactics don't do a thing to me, I still don't like what they're doing and won't be a customer of theirs again any time soon.
In fact, I'd suggest anyone wanting to listen to CDs distributed by Sony BMG (although I say boycot them all together) should boot up a Live Linux CD, rip their CD tracks into MP3s or WAVs and make their own CDs... then toss the Sony CD. At least your PC remains spyware/malware free.
Or, find someone who uses Linux (or Mac for that matter), make them your friend and ask them to rip the tracks for you.
I've got a firewall in place and I never use my super-user account unless I'm installing system-wide apps. or downloading system upgrades. It's been over three years and not one problem... for me anyway.
Now, don't anyone get their panties in a twist :wink:, I'm not saying you don't have to be vigilant. You still have to make sure you download your applications and upgrades from trusted sources. Which is nice to see many distros. now going to GPG signed package management. And never trust e-mails that contain attachments or URL links.
The Sony Issue:
I saw that yesterday, about Sony being sued. I think their actions are despicable. Even though their tactics don't do a thing to me, I still don't like what they're doing and won't be a customer of theirs again any time soon.
In fact, I'd suggest anyone wanting to listen to CDs distributed by Sony BMG (although I say boycot them all together) should boot up a Live Linux CD, rip their CD tracks into MP3s or WAVs and make their own CDs... then toss the Sony CD. At least your PC remains spyware/malware free.
Or, find someone who uses Linux (or Mac for that matter), make them your friend
and ask them to rip the tracks for you.Jay said:Judland said:Or, find someone who uses Linux (or Mac for that matter), make them your friend
:lol:
Well, you know, I thought I'd give it a shot.
Don't mean to get off topic here, as many of my co-workers know I enjoy irritating MS-Windows users to no ends.....
I found Sony's response to the lawsuite interesting. They stated something along the lines of, if you read the agreement that accompanies every CD, it states that the user gives Sony the right to install software on your PC that they deem as necessary, and that if damages were to occurred, they'd only be liable for $5.00 per CD... lower than what you actually paid for the CD in the first place.
There's more to it, but you get the idea.
I mostly use mac's. Recently somebody gave me a cheap Dell Latitude and I isnatlled Ubuntu on it. I must say the installation was very straight forward and I have no problems using on day to day basis. All the applictions I need are installed. Email Client, Browser, Office application. I would recommend to everybody to give it a shot.
Yes, Ubuntu is a good OS for the computer novice. I'm more partial to KDE over Gnome, but that's just personal preference.
Judland said:
Rootkits exist in Linux/Unix too. In fact, rootkits come from the Unix/Linux world. Every Linux distribution comes with a few rootkit programs and they are legitimate. The ones you don't want to get are very destructive on both Windows and Linux and often require the administrator to rebuild the system from scratch.
If you want a link to a free RootKit checker for Windows, look here:
www.sysinternals.com
If you want a link to a free RootKit checker for Linux, look here:
www.chkrootkit.org
Your distribution may already have a precompiled version made up which you can just download and install.
Cheers.