Linux Instead of Windows

[Haggis Veteran]

There are Arch Boot disks with Gnome/XFCE already loaded on.

where are said disks?

Arch is a pain in the ass to setup

I have still to yet succesfully boot it to a gnome DE lol

[ViperAFK]

where are said disks?

Arch is a pain in the ass to setup

I have still to yet succesfully boot it to a gnome DE lol

After following the beginner's guide to get arch installed basically all you do to install and run gnome is pacman -S gnome gnome-extra, and then just systemctl enable gdm.service and reboot...

[Guth]

Haven't read the whole topic. Only page 1.

Just wanted to say my 2 pence.

I shifted to Ubuntu as my main OS after renting a few VPS's and learning it quite well Via SSH.

However, I soon switched back to windows due to; mainly a driver error which would case my whole system to crash and restart and seemingly random times. I found it out to be a graphic driver that wasnt compatible. Also though, before I switched, I thought that I didn't use many programs that were not available on linux, however I soon found out that I do. No photoshop was a nightmare (don't like GIMP) and the code editor I used at the time wasn't supported. Also, I found it very annoying to go to a software/feeware website and find it to be windows only.

I'm always downloading/trying out new software and that really ****ed me off and was the final push I needed back to windows.

Its just not worth it IMO. Windows is really the best and most popular OS for a reason (IMO)

[ViperAFK]

Haven't read the whole topic. Only page 1.

Just wanted to say my 2 pence.

I shifted to Ubuntu as my main OS after renting a few VPS's and learning it quite well Via SSH.

However, I soon switched back to windows due to; mainly a driver error which would case my whole system to crash and restart and seemingly random times. I found it out to be a graphic driver that wasnt compatible. Also though, before I switched, I thought that I didn't use many programs that were not available on linux, however I soon found out that I do. No photoshop was a nightmare (don't like GIMP) and the code editor I used at the time wasn't supported. Also, I found it very annoying to go to a software/feeware website and find it to be windows only.

I'm always downloading/trying out new software and that really ****ed me off and was the final push I needed back to windows.

Its just not worth it IMO. Windows is really the best and most popular OS for a reason (IMO)

You made the mistake of expecting linux to be like windows. You don't download new linux software by visiting freeware websites, you do it from the software center. If you try to do everything on linux exactly the same way you were used to on windows you're not going to get good results. Windows, OSX, and Linux are different operating systems and they work very differently.

[patseguin Global Moderator]

I recently built a NAS to store and serve all my movies and TV shows to HTPC's throughout my house. I originally thought Ubuntu would be the best choice for performance reasons. However, I found it to be a real pain to configure and the installation on my TV was so tiny I couldn't even see it. I'd just hoped that Linux could be mainstream for something because I really want to like it but now I am of the mindset that it is an enthusiast's OS.

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

I know a friend who has Ubuntu HTPC's and he has no trouble, so its probably your hardware configuration that is screwed up.

[Karl L.]

If you are interested in an operating system for your NAS box that is very powerful and easy to use, I definitely recommend FreeNAS. It is built on top of a powerful FreeBSD base, and has a nice web interface that allows you to run the box headless and remotely administer it. You don't need to know anything about how the underlying OS works. That is not to say that Linux does not work well as a file server - I currently host my SMB shares on CentOS 6 (my only machine not running Debian natively) - but FreeNAS is definitely easier to setup for a novice.

[tiagosilva29]

I mean there is no standard windowing toolkit that I can count on being installed on a user's machine.

I'm not sure why would one expect the existence of a windowing tool-kit on a UNIX?-like operating system.

I also believe your Windows example is flawed.

[Growled Member]

I'm playing around with Mint 14 on a LiveCD, and I am very impressed. It certainly blows Ubuntu out of the water and ranks very high when compared with Windows 8, at least for me.

[NightScreams]

Again, you have to learn it for it to work the way you want. Same way you start with any other software, no matter what OS.

Windows takes little to learn. Linux, you never stop having to learn. When you think you do then something changes or makes it irrelevant. Only thing most users learn from Linux is how to google, copy and paste into terminal or remember to type sudo apt this and that. Ask how to do most anything in Linux and the immediate response or search result is "Open Terminal and type" Once it's setup the way you want regardless means little next to the whole point of using an OS..running applications. This is where it is entirely user dependant, some can make do, some can't. I have to have Netflix and ITunes, I can't just work around it and there is no workaround. Commercial support means a lot to most users.

[JustGeorge]

I loved OpenSUSE 12.2 and would use it full time, but I'm really into playing classic games through emulators like MAME, Kega, BSNES, and Nestopia and those programs run a lot better on my Windows install. No matter what I do, they all run like ass on Linux. If it wasn't for that, I'd be all for switching. I do have OpenSUSE running in a VM and have it loaded on one of my laptops :) One thing I would recommend is installing Linux on a VM and experiment/make changes in the VM before doing it on a real install.

[patseguin Global Moderator]

If you are interested in an operating system for your NAS box that is very powerful and easy to use, I definitely recommend FreeNAS. It is built on top of a powerful FreeBSD base, and has a nice web interface that allows you to run the box headless and remotely administer it. You don't need to know anything about how the underlying OS works. That is not to say that Linux does not work well as a file server - I currently host my SMB shares on CentOS 6 (my only machine not running Debian natively) - but FreeNAS is definitely easier to setup for a novice.

No, my Synology nas has its own is. I had wanted to use ubuntu on the htpc's.

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

Windows takes little to learn. Linux, you never stop having to learn. When you think you do then something changes or makes it irrelevant. Only thing most users learn from Linux is how to google, copy and paste into terminal or remember to type sudo apt this and that. Ask how to do most anything in Linux and the immediate response or search result is "Open Terminal and type" Once it's setup the way you want regardless means little next to the whole point of using an OS..running applications. This is where it is entirely user dependant, some can make do, some can't. I have to have Netflix and ITunes, I can't just work around it and there is no workaround. Commercial support means a lot to most users.

That's not true. You are always learning something new in Windows, too. New updates means changes in how the whole thing works, minimal changes or not.

Understand that the Terminal is the backbone of Linux, just like DOS was back in 3.1/95. Everything that you do in the GUI, is actually doing it in terminal, for you. Learning terminal can give you so much knowledge and make things a hell lot easier.

For example, I know a friend who keeps a list of all his programs he runs on Ubuntu. So, all he has to type is:

sudo apt-get install VLC Gimp Chrome whatever

It's easier than going through the Software Center. It installs all programs noted all in one.

[Yogurtmaster]

Then why does almost everyone else on here suggest different Linux distros while you are against it?

He was already using the Linux version I like and that is Linux Mint and he said it didn't work for him.

Stop being so sensitive.

[patseguin Global Moderator]

He was already using the Linux version I like and that is Linux Mint and he said it didn't work for him.

Stop being so sensitive.

Not sure if you're talking about mine but I loved mint with cinnamon. I just couldnt get it to see windows 8 to set up as dual boot. Is there a way to install it on a drive and then afterwards install as boot manager that would let me select mint or win 8?

He was already using the Linux version I like and that is Linux Mint and he said it didn't work for him.

Stop being so sensitive.

Not sure if you're talking about mine but I loved mint with cinnamon. I just couldnt get it to see windows 8 to set up as dual boot. Is there a way to install it on a drive and then afterwards install as boot manager that would let me select mint or win 8?

He was already using the Linux version I like and that is Linux Mint and he said it didn't work for him.

Stop being so sensitive.

Not sure if you're talking about mine but I loved mint with cinnamon. I just couldnt get it to see windows 8 to set up as dual boot. Is there a way to install it on a drive and then afterwards install as boot manager that would let me select mint or win 8?

He was already using the Linux version I like and that is Linux Mint and he said it didn't work for him.

Stop being so sensitive.

Not sure if you're talking about mine but I loved mint with cinnamon. I just couldnt get it to see windows 8 to set up as dual boot. Is there a way to install it on a drive and then afterwards install as boot manager that would let me select mint or win 8?

[Karl L.]

I think that Microsoft changed the bootloader again in Windows 8, so that may be causing GRUB not to detect it. There should be an option during the Mint installation to choose which drive you write the bootloader to or to not install a bootloader at all. If you choose to install the bootloader to your secondary drive, for example, instead of your MBR, you may be able to use the "select boot drive" (often activated by pressing F12 during BIOS splash) provided by your firmware to boot Mint. Otherwise you can attempt to make the Windows bootmenu include Mint using this method, assuming it still works with Windows 8 (which I have not verified).

[Yogurtmaster]

I think that Microsoft changed the bootloader again in Windows 8, so that may be causing GRUB not to detect it. There should be an option during the Mint installation to choose which drive you write the bootloader to or to not install a bootloader at all. If you choose to install the bootloader to your secondary drive, for example, instead of your MBR, you may be able to use the "select boot drive" (often activated by pressing F12 during BIOS splash) provided by your firmware to boot Mint. Otherwise you can attempt to make the Windows bootmenu include Mint using this method, assuming it still works with Windows 8 (which I have not verified).

There is a program for Windows called EasyBDC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EasyBCD). This might make things a lot easier.

[Karl L.]

There is a program for Windows called EasyBDC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EasyBCD). This might make things a lot easier.

Did you read the tutorial I linked to? It is hosted on the NeoSmart Technologies Wiki. Not only are NeoSmart the creators of EasyBCD, but the tutorial explicitly involves using it. The tutorial even has a link to the product information page and download page for EasyBCD (not just its Wikipedia entry).

[Yogurtmaster]

Did you read the tutorial I linked to? It is hosted on the NeoSmart Technologies Wiki. Not only are NeoSmart the creators of EasyBCD, but the tutorial explicitly involves using it. The tutorial even has a link to the product information page and download page for EasyBCD (not just its Wikipedia entry).

yeah, sorry about that. I didn't click the link.

[ViperAFK]

Windows takes little to learn. Linux, you never stop having to learn. When you think you do then something changes or makes it irrelevant. Only thing most users learn from Linux is how to google, copy and paste into terminal or remember to type sudo apt this and that. Ask how to do most anything in Linux and the immediate response or search result is "Open Terminal and type" Once it's setup the way you want regardless means little next to the whole point of using an OS..running applications. This is where it is entirely user dependant, some can make do, some can't. I have to have Netflix and ITunes, I can't just work around it and there is no workaround. Commercial support means a lot to most users.

Search results often tell you to "open a terminal and type", because its far easier to just have people copy and paste a simple command then to say "Open this, open this, open this menu, go here, do this etc...". I do tech support and often have people use the command prompt for somethings because its quicker than digging through the windows UI. For example all the "sudo apt stuff", such as adding ppa's, updating the system, and installing packages can be done via the GUI, instructions you find give you commands because its faster and easier to just input a single command.

And btw there is now a fairly easy workaround to get netflix on ubuntu: http://www.iheartubu...esktop-app.html

You just add that ppa and you get a working netflix icon.

Banshee works well as an itunes alternative, its got the amazon music store out of the box and can sync with many (but not all) apple devices.

[NightScreams]

Search results often tell you to "open a terminal and type", because its far easier to just have people copy and paste a simple command then to say "Open this, open this, open this menu, go here, do this etc...". I do tech support and often have people use the command prompt for somethings because its quicker than digging through the windows UI. For example all the "sudo apt stuff", such as adding ppa's, updating the system, and installing packages can be done via the GUI, instructions you find give you commands because its faster and easier to just input a single command.

yea, they do that often for MS too. However that has nothing to do with getting consumer's to embrace or prefer Linux...well obviously. I will not keep clarifying my point any further just so you guys can debate about a series of Distrobution's where more than half of it's userbase has Windows as a second install. I'm about for making Linux a complete and competitive solution, for that we need some commercial support just to start and regardless...it'll never happen and you know it.

And btw there is now a fairly easy workaround to get netflix on ubuntu: http://www.iheartubu...esktop-app.html

You just add that ppa and you get a working netflix icon.

and that's cool, great start...and how long has Netflix been around on Windows? it's 2012 and we have some programmers just now getting out an "alternative" . great, wasn't around when I needed it or apparently easily found. However it never looks good to average joe when you have to point stuff like that out to them and they see this on the same web page

WARNING! You could screw up your system if you dont do this properly! You have been warned!

Edit the fstab file as root:

sudo gedit /etc/fstab

...and modify the line with your primary EXT3 file system. On that line where it says "errors=remount-ro" make the addition of ",user_xattr" so the result should look something like this:

UUID=94f7fc1e-fa27-4b24-99f3-4b461665a4a4 / ext3 errors=remount-ro,user_xattr 0 1..............

Again, it's nice to see more support....But if Netflix isn't making this themselves, then it's really not any closer to getting commercial support........do you even really understand what i'm trying to say here? Again, this isn't really about me nor would it complete my needs to ditch windows 100% anyway.

Banshee works well as an itunes alternative, its got the amazon music store out of the box and can sync with many (but not all) apple devices.

lol, i already said it's not an alternative. can't do much with it on an ipad really. been there, done that. You go out and buy an Ipad, take it home and connect it to your Linux and not use ITunes...get back with me on how that works out for ya.

This thread is about "Linux INSTEAD of Windows" and I made my valid points and experience that most user's can't just plop to Linux and be all happy happy, that was my whole point...i'm not talkn about just me, i'm talking about making Linux a truly viable competition to Windows and OSX to your average joe consumer. This isn't a debate, it's reality...if it were not, We would see far more sales of Desktop and laptop PC's that include Linux and offer commercial support. This isn't about which of us Geeks like what or can do what on Linux.

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

This isn't a debate, it's reality...

And, yet, we have gone on about it for 10 pages.

No, Linux isn't always perfect. If it was, it would be out in retail against MS and OSX.

[ViperAFK]

yea, they do that often for MS too. However that has nothing to do with getting consumer's to embrace or prefer Linux...well obviously. I will not keep clarifying my point any further just so you guys can debate about a series of Distrobution's where more than half of it's userbase has Windows as a second install. I'm about for making Linux a complete and competitive solution, for that we need some commercial support just to start and regardless...it'll never happen and you know it.

and that's cool, great start...and how long has Netflix been around on Windows? it's 2012 and we have some programmers just now getting out an "alternative" . great, wasn't around when I needed it or apparently easily found. However it never looks good to average joe when you have to point stuff like that out to them and they see this on the same web page

Again, it's nice to see more support....But if Netflix isn't making this themselves, then it's really not any closer to getting commercial support........do you even really understand what i'm trying to say here? Again, this isn't really about me nor would it complete my needs to ditch windows 100% anyway.

lol, i already said it's not an alternative. can't do much with it on an ipad really. been there, done that. You go out and buy an Ipad, take it home and connect it to your Linux and not use ITunes...get back with me on how that works out for ya.

This thread is about "Linux INSTEAD of Windows" and I made my valid points and experience that most user's can't just plop to Linux and be all happy happy, that was my whole point...i'm not talkn about just me, i'm talking about making Linux a truly viable competition to Windows and OSX to your average joe consumer. This isn't a debate, it's reality...if it were not, We would see far more sales of Desktop and laptop PC's that include Linux and offer commercial support. This isn't about which of us Geeks like what or can do what on Linux.

As a linux user I don't by apple products in the first place because I know they don't have good linux compatibility. I'd get an android tablet :p

And you don't know that linux "will never succeed" any more than I know it will, its pointless speculation to make such a broad remark.

As someone that's used linux for years the situation for commercial support, hardware, support, and application has gotten FAR better than it used to be and continues to improve. Your right that for many average consumers its not there yet, but its always been making good progress. With more companies like valve getting involved we will see things getting even better.

[ViperAFK]

yea, they do that often for MS too. However that has nothing to do with getting consumer's to embrace or prefer Linux...well obviously. I will not keep clarifying my point any further just so you guys can debate about a series of Distrobution's where more than half of it's userbase has Windows as a second install. I'm about for making Linux a complete and competitive solution, for that we need some commercial support just to start and regardless...it'll never happen and you know it.

and that's cool, great start...and how long has Netflix been around on Windows? it's 2012 and we have some programmers just now getting out an "alternative" . great, wasn't around when I needed it or apparently easily found. However it never looks good to average joe when you have to point stuff like that out to them and they see this on the same web page

Again, it's nice to see more support....But if Netflix isn't making this themselves, then it's really not any closer to getting commercial support........do you even really understand what i'm trying to say here? Again, this isn't really about me nor would it complete my needs to ditch windows 100% anyway.

lol, i already said it's not an alternative. can't do much with it on an ipad really. been there, done that. You go out and buy an Ipad, take it home and connect it to your Linux and not use ITunes...get back with me on how that works out for ya.

This thread is about "Linux INSTEAD of Windows" and I made my valid points and experience that most user's can't just plop to Linux and be all happy happy, that was my whole point...i'm not talkn about just me, i'm talking about making Linux a truly viable competition to Windows and OSX to your average joe consumer. This isn't a debate, it's reality...if it were not, We would see far more sales of Desktop and laptop PC's that include Linux and offer commercial support. This isn't about which of us Geeks like what or can do what on Linux.

As a linux user I don't by apple products in the first place because I know they don't have good linux compatibility. I'd get an android tablet :p

And you don't know that linux "will never succeed" any more than I know it will, its pointless speculation to make such a broad remark.

As someone that's used linux for years the situation for commercial support, hardware support, and application has gotten FAR better than it used to be and continues to improve. You're right that for many average consumers its not there yet, but its always been making good progress. With more companies like valve getting involved we will see things getting even better.

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

Amen, Viper. Glitch I think, caused this double post. :p