[PLUG] Re: PLUG Digest, Vol 13, Issue 67

[Jeff Moore]

> Subject: Re[2]: [PLUG] Linux Desktop - Time to make the change 

> RS> I believe that one of the most difficult aspects of moving from 
> RS> Microsoft to linux (or any of the other F/OSS platforms) is
> coping 
> RS> with choice. You're moving from a dearth of choices to a plethora 
> RS> of choices. And, they cost you no money (unless you voluntarily 
> RS> contribute to show appreciation). Don't think this is a trivial 
> RS> point; it isn't.
> 
> sorry but to me this is either wrong or just too simple.
> 
> I have tried (and am trying again) to move from MS to Linux.  I 
> program for a living.  Luckily for that the sw that i use now has a 
> port to Linux so it makes that much easier.
> 
> But to intimate that Linux has a 'plethora' of options and MS doesn't 
> just isn't right.  Cost is important .. but it isn't the bottom line. 
> (i love it when linux guys always through that in<G>).  I do like to 
> donate ..
> 
> For myself (and a couple other guys i know that hare trying or have 
> tried) the real problem is that SW doesn't come complete.  It may be
> a 
> thrill and a hoot to have to go out an look for bits and pieces that 
> come up as missing when you try to install something.  But for me it 
> is a waste of time.  I have just loaded Fedora 4 on my laptop (it is 
> my main workstation.  If i can't get it to work with all hw on it
> then 
> i can't use it).  I loaded FULL as i really didn't want to see any of 
> those 'can't do that cause of missing bits' messages.  But I needed a 
> DVD player so I did a search on google and found one and downloaded 
> and tried to install.  Opps .. this library isn't there .. that bit 
> isn't there.  Did another search for some of the bits and there was
> no 
> clear information about the packages I needed.
> 
> THIS is the biggest problem.  You are right is saying there are a 
> 'plethora' of options, though i believe generally there are still
> more 
> in MS, but the options often seem to be incomplete.  Well unless you 
> simply want a command line text editor.
> 
> I know that lots of linux guys don't like the gui .. lots (well the 
> ones i have talked to) have no problems with going out and finding
> the 
> pieces that didn't come through the install and other <shudder> can't 
> wait for a quick compile.
> 
> But lots of us who would love to make the move find it too time 
> consuming to do things .. like install a program.
> 
> By the way .. i love most all the bits you put up here .. smart and 
> insightful.  This just bugged me cause i had a bad weekend trying to 
> install linux apps <G>
> 
> DSig 

Just one recommendation. 
I recently tried the latest release of UBUNTU and I have to say.... WOW!
This dist is the first viable linux desktop I have seen. 
The advantages for newcomers to linux are:
1) The synaptic package manager. It makes it easy to search and install
almost any package. And when I say almost any package I mean it. I
expected to have to build alot of apps from source, but to my surprise
and delight they were in the repos at ubuntu. I was always a big debian
fan but hated using apt(Probably because I never took the time to learn
it.). I liked the ease of use with Yum on Fedora. Being able to use
wildcards when installing etc. But synaptic makes my life much easier...
2) Its Debian based! Havent had any problems yet with installing debian
packages. And of course it has the stability and reliability of Debian! 
3) Minimalist installation. Why open yourself to trouble until you
really need to? Ubuntu installs a very bare minimum install and the
server install is even more trim. I love it! However the fact that the
firewall is installed but not running off the get go is a little
troubling. Sound, but troubling. Novices can install firestarter or the
likes. others can throw in their favorite iptables script. (one note..
the 'recent' iptables module was misplaced in debian unstable for a
while and was put back in. This means that currently ubuntu is missing
the 'recent' module but it will be back in soon per their bug list...)

I would recommend trying this distro if you are having growing pains
with others... It makes converting alot easier!!!
 
Hope this helps...
JM