Tell me about Linux

[MTK]

So I'm thinking about getting a new laptop, something simple mostly for internet access and maybe some occassional word processing. I'm looking at a Dell Inspiron Mini 12 and you can get it with Ubuntu Linux as the OS instead of Windows. Should I go with Linux over Windows? What would you recommend?

[KLHJ2]

[saden1]

The new netbooks are awesome. They're not for any serious work but do things like watching movies and browsing the internet well (forget about doing any gaming on these). Ubuntu is the #1 consumer grade Linux OS out there and it does a fantastic job as a netbook OS, so much so that Windows 7 was digned to compete with it (and other linux distribution in the netbook market).

The Dell mini comes with Dell branded "Ubuntu Netbook Remix" which I am using on an Asus EEE netbook as I type this post. I have been using Ubuntu for the last 4 years exclusively both at home and at work and I love it. I'm a geek but some folks might find it frustrating because they expect it to function just like Windows. You never have to have a virus protection software installed and there's boat load of applications available free software developers around the world, some of the application are awesome and some of them trash. Ubuntu has a great development cycle, they release a new version every six months and the fix bugs and update some applications in the time between major releases.

If you have a specific question let me know.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by saden1

The new netbooks are awesome. They're not for any serious work but do things like watching movies and browsing the internet well (forget about doing any gaming on these). Ubuntu is the #1 consumer grade Linux OS out there and it does a fantastic job as a netbook OS, so much so that Windows 7 was digned to compete with it (and other linux distribution in the netbook market).

The Dell mini comes with Dell branded "Ubuntu Netbook Remix" which I am using on an Asus EEE netbook as I type this post. I have been using Ubuntu for the last 4 years exclusively both at home and at work and I love it. I'm a geek but some folks might find it frustrating because they expect it to function just like Windows. You never have to have a virus protection software installed and there's boat load of applications available free software developers around the world, some of the application are awesome and some of them trash. Ubuntu has a great development cycle, they release a new version every six months and the fix bugs and update some applications in the time between major releases.

If you have a specific question let me know.

Is OpenOffice pretty comparable to MS Office? Are MS files compatible with OpenOffice and vice versa?

[saden1]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Is OpenOffice pretty comparable to MS Office? Are MS files compatible with OpenOffice and vice versa?

OpenOffice can read and generate MS Office compatible files but the process isn't always 100% perfect. For most basic types of documents everything looks just as it does on MS Office but documents heavy on MS propritory features may need adjusting/touchup. In some instances OO avoids replicating MS bugs. The newer version (OO 3.0) does a fantastic job with convertion to MS formats than the previous 2.x.

You may also want to note that Open Document Format (ODF) is now an international standard and going forward MS has commited to supporting the standard due to market preasures.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

I'll be honest with you and Linux dorks leave me alone... it's super lame.

If you really just want to be able to use the internet, it's fine.

Basically the only people I know who use it do it just so they can say "I run Linux." If you get an awesome deal on it though, go for it.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Here's some pros and cons:

Why Use Linux? | CAE

[saden1]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

Here's some pros and cons:

Why Use Linux? | CAE

OMG that article is so out of date that the disadvantages no longer apply. When was the last time you used Linux, especially Ubuntu?

[firstdown]

I wish my problem was as small as yours Matty. Yesterday I had a meeting and its now my turn to convert from a company computer to an agency owned (meaning I buy) computer. Now I have to learn alot about computers in a short two month period. I'm talking everything from the conection to what ever else I need for a four person business. The company is picking up the cost (well some of the cost) but they are only providing us with a spec sheet and no help with venders.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Some of my users have it and I really don't see the draw.

I don't have any good reason behind it. Maybe it's because I get free Windows/Mac software here and I don't have to purchase stuff.

I'd probably change my tune if I had to buy an OS, but I just have never been a fan. Not only that, the people I know around here who run Linux act just as high and mighty as people who own Macs.

[KLHJ2]

Everyone that I know that uses it, swears by it (aside from playing games). Personally, I cannot bring myself to use it unless I have to. It's like a foreign language to me right now. I pick up bits and pieces here and there, but am far from proficient with it.

My buddy is also an IT guy and he had both OS's installed on his PC. About a month later he removed Linux alltogether. So in reality, it depends on the person. From my experience if you can learn the OS and get comfortable with it, then you might never go back to Windows or whatever you use. On the other hand if you cannot get the hang of it, then you will be buying a new OS in the near future.

[MTK]

Thanks for the info saden

[BDBohnzie]

If you are getting a netbook and are using it strictly for surfing the web and email, then Linux would be fine. The learning curve with Ubuntu is pretty easy, and there are so many things you can add-on easily. I have it on a dual boot on my work laptop, but because we are a Microsoft shop, I'm booted into XP 99% of the time.

I was looking at the Dell Mini 12 as well, but I'm now leaning towards this MSI Wind from Newegg to be my new personal portable computer, from which I will probably do a dual boot XP Home/Ubuntu, maybe even add OSX to the mix.

And OpenOffice is a great alternative to MS Office. I've used it interchangeably with Office 2007 for a while now, and with the things I use it for, users haven't noticed any difference.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by BDBohnzie

If you are getting a netbook and are using it strictly for surfing the web and email, then Linux would be fine. The learning curve with Ubuntu is pretty easy, and there are so many things you can add-on easily. I have it on a dual boot on my work laptop, but because we are a Microsoft shop, I'm booted into XP 99% of the time.

I was looking at the Dell Mini 12 as well, but I'm now leaning towards this MSI Wind from Newegg to be my new personal portable computer, from which I will probably do a dual boot XP Home/Ubuntu, maybe even add OSX to the mix.

And OpenOffice is a great alternative to MS Office. I've used it interchangeably with Office 2007 for a while now, and with the things I use it for, users haven't noticed any difference.

I like the sound of that MSI Wind but I'm just not sure if I want to go with a 10" screen. I have a Dell Inspiron 6000 right now with a 16" screen so going down to 10" might be tough. I'm just tired of lugging this thing around though. It's just not practical for traveling and forget about trying to use this thing on a plane.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I like the sound of that MSI Wind but I'm just not sure if I want to go with a 10" screen. I have a Dell Inspiron 6000 right now with a 16" screen so going down to 10" might be tough. I'm just tired of lugging this thing around though. It's just not practical for traveling and forget about trying to use this thing on a plane.

I too have an Inspirion system - 6400 I believe. I beefed it up with some after market DDR Ram, so even though it's two years old it still runs nicely. You're right about the airplane thing. Pain in the ass. I'm also looking to get a smaller system. I really don't have advanced computing needs - internet, email, personal finances, and music. Pretty basic. I'm ready to park this Inspiron as a desktop and move on to something more compact. But yeah, moving from a 16" to a 10" screen would be tough.

Matty - you ever have battery issues with your Dell? I had to replace the factory battery after the first 6 months or so, and I have some friends who have had similar issues.