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Linux?

M

Michigan PC

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Jun 29, 2005
Messages
1,349
alright, I am building my dad a new home system (20inch display, 7600, conroe) and I was wondering about linux. I have never used linux ever and am wondering. Would it be a good os for him to use? Is it free? Is it simple to use? What is the best version?

thanks
 
Yes, linux is completely free unless you decide to get some entreprise version, but i dont think that you need that
is it simple? well it sort of depends on you level, like if you have used it before and stuff.
what is the best version?
there isnt really a best version, each distribution of linux ia usually tailored differently.
but if you decide to go with linux i would say Ubuntu. very simple to use, even a beginner can use it. easy to install and configure. but you might run into some problems with graphic drives, but just do a "nvidia drivers on ubuntu" on google. shouldnt be too hard
i was able to do it
 
I have noticed you are getting a conroe chip, the latest intel chipset does not have a pata controller built into the northbridge. A lot of popular boards are using the jmicron pata controller, which is supported in the latest kernel. This kernel hasn't been incorporated into the stable or the unstable release, of Ubuntu.

This maybe a problem if are installing from a pata optical drive, which odds are you are, unless you want to use a pata to sata converter, and then install the latest kernel then remove the pata>sata converter.
 
Is your dad averse to learning how to use a new operating system? Is there any special software he uses in Windows (note that Linux can't directly run Windows programs and needs an application compatibility layer like WINE)?

Linux is pretty much free, but does your dad have the time to learn how to use it? Is he tech savvy? Does he learn easily or does it take a long time for him to pick up computing tasks?

Linux can be easy or hard, it's all up to you (and well, the distro :p).
 
he is pretty tech savvy, I'm sure I could learn it fairly easily but him I'm not too sure. He has faith in my computer knowledge though. In ubuntu, can I download things like game demos, and apps easily? What would I have to do. I strted thinkin about linux because it is less prone to viruses, was I correct?
 
ummm in fairness a long time windows user is gonna hate ubuntu or linux in general, a person who uses windows for a long time is gonna try to do things like they do things in windows. I can speak from personal experience and just about everyone else's experience. Your dad is gonna need to, really learn the differences, and the free resources available to him to help him, with troubleshooting, or general inquiries.

No game demos, game demos usually aren't made for linux.

Downloading apps/library files/codecs is really easy using apt. its a nifty little program, much easier then windows or osx in terms of installing stuff.
 
As I Lay Dying said:
ummm in fairness a long time windows user is gonna hate ubuntu or linux in general, a person who uses windows for a long time is gonna try to do things like they do things in windows. I can speak from personal experience and just about everyone else's experience. Your dad is gonna need to, really learn the differences, and the free resources available to him to help him, with troubleshooting, or general inquiries.

No game demos, game demos usually aren't made for linux.

Downloading apps/library files/codecs is really easy using apt. its a nifty little program, much easier then windows or osx in terms of installing stuff.
Click to expand...

or yum, for those using fedora ;)
 
ya I get what you mean. He basically wants cleanliness. The ubuntu desktop is clean. He hates all the windows viruses and stuff that he has gotten, and he also just wants to get his work done, write speeches, check email, stuff like that.

He has neer known there was anything besides osx and windows.
 
Even though I am a Linux supporter, I would suggest that you just hook your dad up with Windows XP, Firefox and either AVG or Avast! anti-virus. Both are free, light, and do a heck of a job.

Linux is a great system, but it's not renowned for it's gaming ability...and with a 20" display and a 7600 I can only assume that he would like some of that functionality.

Also, if YOU are going to be his tech support...and you are not familiar with Linux systems, that's not a very good solution. I mean, if he gets viruses/spyware in Windows, you will know how to guide him through it. Whereas if he starts getting kernel panics, dependency tree issues, and just the random "why the hell won't this work", you won't really be well versed in helping him through the problems.
 
he doesn't want to game. He actually wanted a higher end card so he wont have to upgrade for a very long time. I see what you mean though.
 
Michigan PC said:
ya I get what you mean. He basically wants cleanliness. The ubuntu desktop is clean. He hates all the windows viruses and stuff that he has gotten, and he also just wants to get his work done, write speeches, check email, stuff like that.

He has neer known there was anything besides osx and windows.
Click to expand...

Well, what on earth is your father doing to get all these viruses/spyware/malware? Does he click on every link received in emails or something? Does he run an antivirus and regularly update his Windows system? A little maintenance can go a long way. ;)

And I do agree with frequenicity - if you're the go-to guy for your dad, I would choose to give him something you know how to work with.

edit: If he didn't want to game, any card would do. :p
 
Michigan PC said:
he doesn't want to game. He actually wanted a higher end card so he wont have to upgrade for a very long time. I see what you mean though.
Click to expand...

I like his thinking.

I would suggest, if you have a spare PC or HDD to install a distro of Linux and take it for a spin. If you are an avid Windows user, please keep an open mind. Linux is VERY different for the most part, but has a lot of power-user/admin functionality that is great. Definitely worth a try.
 
Really though, as long as you can get through the install, upgrade, get it how he likes, you can always just do a freeze and not upgrade it once he has all the programs on there that he wants. I'm guess he'll just want openoffice, firefox, and some sort of email manager. Once XGL or AIGLX becomes more stable you can install one of those and utilize the graphics card more. I was a long time Windows user who doesn't have the extra cash to shell out for Vista when it comes out so I figured I'd just make the switch, and I must say for all the complexity of Archlinux, I love it. Luckily I have a friend who is very well versed in it.

The wonderful thing about Linux is that the very people who developed things are often the ones around to answer questions. Just my two cents.
 
I'd probably put windows on his new machine and put Linux on his old one so that you're familiar with it. Maybe give him a liveCD of Linux to check out and see what he thinks...
 
Michigan PC said:
ya I get what you mean. He basically wants cleanliness. The ubuntu desktop is clean. He hates all the windows viruses and stuff that he has gotten, and he also just wants to get his work done, write speeches, check email, stuff like that.

He has neer known there was anything besides osx and windows.
Click to expand...


if thats what he wants to do then linux is fine.


As for tech support there are a bunch of great resources available for ubuntu users. BTW dont get me wrong, I love linux, Ubuntu is my primary desktop. Its a nice clean fast operating system. Setting up email, web browsing, and stuff and writing speeches he can do perfectly in ubuntu, you and he, will have to remember linux != windows, it handles and works differently.

Also first thing you should learn is apt, learn what a repository is, how to add extras and what method to install software you prefer, synaptic (gui) or apt or aptitude (CL). I know a long time windows power user who tried ubuntu, and he never used the repos and drove himself mad trying to find and install software. Also he strangely would get upset that linux could run his direct3d games sometimes, hahahhahahaha yeah I know. If you take it slow, and when something goes wrong or you need help, www.ubuntuforums.org is the bees knees.


Alot of people will tell you linux isnt ready for the desktop, I disagree, but it depends on ones experience.
 
Linux is definitely ready for the desktop, but the end user has to be proactive in terms of searching for help. I use Ubuntu as my primary (non-gaming) OS and love every minute of it. The Ubuntu Forums are an incredible source of knowledge and a great group to deal with.

But if the user isn't into helping themselves with problems, or doesn't understand when things don't "just work"...then you have some issues.

Ubuntu + Forums + Google = Awesome.
 
frequenicity said:
.

Ubuntu + Forums + Google = Awesome.
Click to expand...

QFT. except forums, I rarely get any help there.

google is all I needed to learn linux. (or atleast manage it)
 
frequenicity said:
Ubuntu + Forums + Google = Awesome.
Click to expand...

NOT when you're setting up a machine for a parent. You want something that is more hand-holding and user-centric. Xandros MIGHT cut it. But he would probably do well to just stick to XP with proper anti-virus and anti-spyware - particularly since he's building a P965 system.
 
<--- long time windows user
Now ubuntu convert. Worked FLAWLESSLY on install of my thinkpad x60s (core duo based lappy). I did have a few complaints (totem is still crap) but they were fixed in under 30min total time. If you have any reservations do this:
1. Build system
2. Put ubuntu on it and get a feel for it (or have him get a feel for it). Maybe try to get xgl running
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/CompositeManager/Xgl <--- docs
3. If you don't like it (or he don't like it) slap some xp on it.
 
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