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]

[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]

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.

[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.

[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OMG that article is so out of date that the disadvantages no longer apply.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?

[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]

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.

[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.

[FRPLG]

I compare Linux to Mac. A lot of the advantages will disappear as their market share grows and they are faced with real market pressure and growing security issues. As everyone has said, for a net machine it is fine. If you want it as a productivity machine then you'd be dopey to not go with a PC or Mac. As an aside I am hearing good stuff about Windows 2007. I think Microsoft may actually put out a good one with 2007. It should be out sooner rather than latter considering the negative public reaction and slow corporate adoption of Vista.

[saden1]

No worries, I'm a big Linux guy that TMC alludes to but unlike Applers I know I'm a whore and I keep it real I am proud that my cell phone, home phone, work phone, netbook, laptop, desktop, workstation, TV, vacuum cleaner, and PS3 all run Linux.

...and I take issue with the notion that Linux can't be used for productivity. Linux is a tool and productivity depends on what you're trying to do.