Look, the short and simple answer to all of your questions can be summed up in this way: Linux is a totally different operating system than Windows and there will be a steep learning curve. How much you learn and how well you do is directly related to how much effort you want to put into it. You cannot use Linux, always stay in X and never touch the command line. Usually, GUI applications are just fronts for the command line versions and it is helpful to learn the command line version to understand what's going on behind the scenes. That will also help you fix things when they break.
Linux is very rewarding and powerful but only if you put the time and effort into learning it. Don't shy away from any tool that you have access to just because it doesn't have a pretty button to click on. Roll up your sleeves and learn to interact with the shell or your experience with Linux will be frustrating.
I would say that Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/) as Linux distro is a good choice for you. Details can be found below: first I'll describe how and why I started using Ubuntu. Further below I'll summarize some of its characteristics, how to get support from the web community, etc.
At home I've three Dell machines (2 of them are used by my kids, the 3rd one by my wife and me). Up to November 2005 I was a full time Windows XP user, and I didn't know anything about Linux. I got bored with the Microsoft OS, and I decided to learn something new.
I installed Ubuntu on 1 machine (Dimension 4700, dual boot with Windows XP) and after 4 weeks I decided that Ubuntu has my preference above Windows XP, and therefore I switched this machine to Ubuntu completely. I'm not a gamer, but if you are I advise to keep the dual boot with XP: most of the games run with Linux via wine (Windows emulator under Linux), but from what I understand it takes some time to optimize this. I never went through that process.
Looking back, I don't regret that my machine switched completely to Linux. Me, and also my wife use this Dell 4700 for office applications (spreadsheets, text docs, database and presentations), digital photo-editing, CD and DVD burning, music listening, dvd watching and Internet browsing.
Note that my motivation for switching to Ubuntu is not related to bad feelings that I have about Microsoft products, I think that they made some good stuff. And after using Linux for several months now, I still think that Microsoft makes good products. However, the software that comes with Ubuntu is at least as good in terms of functionality, faster, more secure, and for free.
Ubuntu is an excellent distro and because of its user friendliness a good choice for Windows users who want to learn more about Linux. The Ubuntu webforums (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/) are of great help and you will find a large community which is always willing to answer your questions.
99% of the work can be done via a graphical interface, so there is no real need to learn a lot of Linux commands. Of course, if you want to learn this, Linux offers you the opportunity to do so.
Ubuntu can be installed via a live CD, that takes about 1 hour, but after that you'll have a completely installed OS, with Office applications, CD and DVD burning software, network tools, photo editors, music and video players etc. Furthermore you'll have access to a wealth of software via the repositories of Ubuntu.
From above it's obvious that I'm an happy Linux user and it is also clear that it does not necessarily take a lot of time.
Thanks for the reply! At first I thought the command line was for shuffling files but I've found out there's a lot more to it. I definitely plan to roll up my sleeves and get into it but at least I can look at some programs now thru the GUI.
Thanks for the reply! I agree about no bad feelings motivating me to try Linux. I fully admit games got me into computing but a nuts and bolts guy like me can't help but look under the hood to see what makes things work. Since it's not really mechanical it's tough for me. I have learned a lot albeit in a backwards manner. An alternative OS is basically interesting to me. I probably will go the dual boot route as that gives me a chance to explore Linux but still have a fully functioning PC. I have heard about Ubuntu and been to the site and plan to at least look at it. Forums are my life line for many subjects and I'll check that one out. I sincerely appreciate you sharing your time and this information.
"99% of the work can be done via a graphical interface, so there is no real need to learn a lot of Linux commands."
That is just plain wrong. The GUI is good, but the real power of Linux lies on the command line. Plus, what are you going to do if something ever breaks or if you can't get into X? You'll be lost if you don't know anything about the CLI.
Wow Slack, I can appreciate your passion but I somehow feel a bit responsible. I certainly didn't want to start an argument. I
will look into understanding using the command line. On the other hand, if I would have installed Linux and got nothing more than a blinking cursor, I probably wouldn't interested so I argee the GUI is a good thing.
slackaddict
4 Posts
0
April 11th, 2006 16:00
jongkind
85 Posts
0
April 11th, 2006 20:00
At home I've three Dell machines (2 of them are used by my kids, the 3rd one by my wife and me). Up to November 2005 I was a full time Windows XP user, and I didn't know anything about Linux. I got bored with the Microsoft OS, and I decided to learn something new.
I installed Ubuntu on 1 machine (Dimension 4700, dual boot with Windows XP) and after 4 weeks I decided that Ubuntu has my preference above Windows XP, and therefore I switched this machine to Ubuntu completely. I'm not a gamer, but if you are I advise to keep the dual boot with XP: most of the games run with Linux via wine (Windows emulator under Linux), but from what I understand it takes some time to optimize this. I never went through that process.
Looking back, I don't regret that my machine switched completely to Linux. Me, and also my wife use this Dell 4700 for office applications (spreadsheets, text docs, database and presentations), digital photo-editing, CD and DVD burning, music listening, dvd watching and Internet browsing.
Note that my motivation for switching to Ubuntu is not related to bad feelings that I have about Microsoft products, I think that they made some good stuff. And after using Linux for several months now, I still think that Microsoft makes good products. However, the software that comes with Ubuntu is at least as good in terms of functionality, faster, more secure, and for free.
Ubuntu is an excellent distro and because of its user friendliness a good choice for Windows users who want to learn more about Linux. The Ubuntu webforums (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/) are of great help and you will find a large community which is always willing to answer your questions.
99% of the work can be done via a graphical interface, so there is no real need to learn a lot of Linux commands. Of course, if you want to learn this, Linux offers you the opportunity to do so.
Ubuntu can be installed via a live CD, that takes about 1 hour, but after that you'll have a completely installed OS, with Office applications, CD and DVD burning software, network tools, photo editors, music and video players etc. Furthermore you'll have access to a wealth of software via the repositories of Ubuntu.
From above it's obvious that I'm an happy Linux user and it is also clear that it does not necessarily take a lot of time.
Herman
Targetdrone
4 Posts
0
April 12th, 2006 02:00
Targetdrone
4 Posts
0
April 12th, 2006 03:00
slackaddict
4 Posts
0
April 12th, 2006 15:00
jongkind
85 Posts
0
April 12th, 2006 15:00
Targetdrone
4 Posts
0
April 13th, 2006 02:00