Ubuntu (Linux)

[neronix17]

Right, I just started playing around with this OS, I've had it installed on a separate partition for a while so thought Id have a look since I haven't actually checked it out at all. I'm sort of confused about what advantages it has over windows, if any really, I google searched for some 'fun' things to do but apparently people find typing up documentation fun! (Being 100% honest I think that's extremely weird, but each to their own I guess) So apparently I have no real reason for using Ubuntu since everything I need/want to use is also on windows, a much simpler system really. Just wondering if there's anything anyone can suggest for me to use Ubuntu for? I'm thinking on using it to test my website on, heard its more stable than windows for that, and I have to admit there's a couple good programs I can use for html/php editing so that's a plus I guess.

So any suggestions?

(I know it isn't necessarily off topic but didn't think it fit in any other areas of the forums)

[Jackolantern]

Really, Linux does not do anything Windows doesn't, except getting less viruses. Linux is a bastion of open-source software, and that is one of the reasons why it is popular. However, that comes with pros and cons. The major pro is basically everything is free, or has a free alternative, right down to the OS itself. One of the cons is that usability can suffer in some regards. While Ubuntu is one of the most user-friendly *nix OS' available, there is not millions of dollars spurring on long-term, professional usability studies like Microsoft and Apple do. As a result, some programs just feel like the developer made the program for themselves, without considering users who don't intimately know the program. Also, the landscape beyond web development can be quite bleak for a developer wanting to make money. Linux/Unix users will not pay for anything. And then there is the issue of not having proper access to 95% of the software and resources available. Emulators can run a bit of the simple stuff, but to do serious computing, you have to be able to run Windows. Apple realized it and switched to Intel parts so they could natively run Windows. Of course you can add another OS to any Linux computer, but then you are right back to paying for Windows, which topples one of Linux's biggest advantages.

EDIT: And no, there isn't a ton of "fun" to be had on Linux. A few small indie games are out there, but basically nothing commercial.

[hallsofvallhalla]

one thing that irritates me is "virus's" being thrown around so loosely. "Oh you have windows you will get a Virus!" Yeah well I got a penis doesn't mean I will get aids!

I have rigorously used software like Bearshare, Utorrent, ect and have not gotten a "Virus" in the past 5 years. Maybe 1 spyware program which is 99% of what people call Virus's but even 1 is not bad in 5 years. The internet is like the city, you go into a dirty area you are going to get in trouble.

I see NO advantage that Linux gives you in the real world of average everyday computing. Other than the retro feeling of the 90's.

[SpiritWebb]

I myself thought about going over to Linux. There is a program out there that you have to pay for thats like Whine to emulate Windows and does wonders from what I have heard. So once I buy that program, I will be switching over to Linux. Once I find out I will let everyone know the name of that emulator!

[Jackolantern]

I see NO advantage that Linux gives you in the real world of average everyday computing. Other than the retro feeling of the 90's.

Although I am pretty much a 100% Windows user, I do have to stick up for Ubuntu a bit here. Ubuntu is lightyears beyond other Linux forms technically, and the Ubuntu GUI actually does a ton of things that Windows can only dream of. While Windows Vista/7 touted Aero-graphics effects on the desktop, Ubuntu was adding graphical desktop effects that likely won't be seen in Windows for a decade. I also love the way it is laid out.

However, beyond the breathtaking GUI, I see little use in using it. It seems most *nix-heads are simply die-hard open-source fanatics who hate Microsoft, Apple and Adobe. Sadly, using a slick, pretty OS like Ubuntu is nothing but stress for your average/above-average computer user. Will Ubuntu run TurboTax without having Windows installed? Will I run into a problem in the middle of submitting my tax info? Calling customer support...ohh, Linux isn't supported? I just need to Google it and pray for a fix? Sadly, these types of situations happen again and again (this could be for just one program). The world is made for Windows, whether someone wants it to be or not.

[neronix17]

Yeah thought as much, I have Windows 7 on another partition so no problems with keeping using that and I think 'Wine' is what you are talking about SpiritWebb, its free and works perfect for emulating windows, I've had it run several programs perfectly off the usual windows .exe file. So far only advantage I've found is the appearance, I installed Macbuntu which essentially makes the whole thing have the exact same appearance down as Snow Leopard.

I also have iAtkos installed on another partition since my processor is Intel it seems to work fine, I cant afford a iMac and even if I could I still wouldn't pay the extortionate price (I often refer to anything overpriced as Macstortionate), when I look at the spec of the systems I just want to point and laugh at anyone coming out of an Apple store after just buying a Mac so they realise how retarded they have just been. I'm actually trying to look into buying the right parts to MAKE a Mac, if I get the right things (mostly Intel) then I can make a pretty cheap Mac using a normal PC case, as there are several ways to install the actual Mac OS on a normal PC with the right parts.

So yeah I will just use Ubuntu for web design, it runs smooth and very fast on my laptop compared to running windows as its much smaller, loads quicker and seems to use much less battery power for some reason, windows it lasts like 2 hours with Ubuntu I've had it last 4-5 hours. I might look into making a few programs for Ubuntu, could be interesting to see what options I have I guess, not like I'm expecting to be paid for anything I make yet

[hallsofvallhalla]

Ubuntu is no real superior choice. It is a hopeful windows in my book. Wine does not work for every windows program. Unity does not even work with it.

I am not saying Ubuntu does not have great features and it does not work well. Sure it runs better in most cases but thats like saying to a Nascar driver.."Oh you got in a wreck? That's because you drive a fast car, I don't have to worry about getting hurt in a wreck because I drive a go cart."

No one can deny going to Linux will hinder your program usage a TON. Using Linux for a server, AWESOME, using it for certain programs that will work for Linux, great idea. Using it for a computing machine that you plan on playing games, running software, being normal, smacking hoes, being a ninja, downloading software, developing, ect... its is a bad idea.

Just my opinion.

[Jackolantern]

No one can deny going to Linux will hinder your program usage a TON. Using Linux for a server, AWESOME, using it for certain programs that will work for Linux, great idea. Using it for a computing machine that you plan on playing games, running software, being normal, smacking hoes, being a ninja, downloading software, developing, ect... its is a bad idea.

That is about what I see. Trying to run your day-to-day life with a Linux computer is going to be a pain and a half. "So just install Windows on another partition!" Then what is the point of having Linux for my desktop? I am still paying for an OS at that point, and I would have little reason to boot back into Linux besides checking out the pretty GUI graphical effects or to use one of the extremely rare open-source Linux programs that has no open source Windows equal.

[neronix17]

Well I have said I have Mac os x, windows and linux on 3 separate partitions already so I can use all three at will, one reason to head back to linux instead of windows could be to test things you expect to run on multiple platforms, or if you want to make a version of a program for people using linux.

[Jackolantern]

Well I have said I have Mac os x, windows and linux on 3 separate partitions already so I can use all three at will, one reason to head back to linux instead of windows could be to test things you expect to run on multiple platforms, or if you want to make a version of a program for people using linux.

Very true, I wasn't thinking about testing.

Speaking of you having Mac OSx on a partition on your HDD, I wanted to ask about that iAtkos thing. What is that? I googled it, and all I got was a forum post on a Mac forum with a download and a bit of info. Is it an emulator, or is it an actual jailbroken copy of OSX Snow Leopard that installs the same as it would on an Intel Mac?