Is Linux user experience still bad?

[Bucic]

A new thread to avoid OT.

No time / Linux machine / Doesn't own BS 2 / No time ... pick your choice

Masochist

 

jk

 

 

Boberro,

actually nowadays Linux systems like Ubuntu, Mint or Suse are mainly a great experience out of the box. You get software for almost every imaginable every day task installed by default (internet browser, office suite, archive manager, PDF viewer, multi-protocol instant messenger, media players and codecs, photo viewer and manager, torrent client, you name it!), you don't install any security software (antivirus and firewall are already integrated and completely under-the-hood) and you don't have to know even what a driver is, in vast majority of cases. You get an integrated software center (like app store) with both free and payware software and, in case of ubuntu I personally use, you get access to best support one could imagine -> http://askubuntu.com/

 

At some point after using both systems, Linux and Windows, I realized the hassle after system installation is massive in case of Windows when compared to mainstream Linux distributions.

 

I use Ubuntu Linux exclusively for almost a year without any problems. Maybe except the infamous kernel power management problems on Intel platforms that has been fixed relatively soon after it was discovered.

Edited August 17, 2012 by Bucic

[cichlidfan]

I would have to agree with Bucic. I have installed and used many versions/varieties of Linux over the years ( I did AT&T System V and a few other Unix' platforms at work ) and in recent years things have really simplified.

 

Ubuntu downloaded and installed probably takes less time that Windows just to install and when you are done you have an office suite and anything else you are likely to need for general use. You really don't have to 'know' anything to do it these days. You just answer the same sort of questions you get from Windows and off it goes.

[104th_Cobra]

My daily OS for work and general use is Ubuntu. For five years. Even the firmware of my router is a DD-WRT :D

 

And yes, to install Ubuntu, nowadays, is only a matter of "clicking in three or four buttons". All GUI way.

[Bucic]

It all comes down to software selection. If you simply have to run a certain application that has no native Linux version and you don't accept any existing alternatives you simply:

a) don't switch to Linux

b) check whether the application can be run via Wine or a Virtual Machine on Linux

c) use both Windows and Linux on one computer (dual-boot)

 

 

As for the hardware support - it's rarely the case a contemporary hardware is not supported. Just in case you test it by running a non-installable version of e.g. Ubuntu Linux. It will offer you a system demo without making any changes to your system. You do it via LiveCD or LiveUSB. If you know a utility set called Parted Magic - it's nothing more than a Linux LiveCD or LiveUSB packed with disk and system tools.

 

It is often the case that on laptops you get full special keys functionality out of the box (volume and playback buttons, Fn keyboard shortcuts for brightness control, screen lock, sleep etc.) what normally isn't achievable if a person installs clean MS Windows.

 

Also often "legacy hardware", like scanners and printers that are not old at all but didn't receive drivers for Windows Vista and newer Windows versions, will work right away on Linux without installing a-ny-thing.

 

My daily OS for work and general use is Ubuntu. For five years. Even the firmware of my router is a DD-WRT

 

And yes, to install Ubuntu, nowadays, is only a matter of "clicking in three or four buttons". All GUI way.

Even more so, you select disk for installation and the system will install without waiting for you to pick location etc. Or - you can answer all the question within 10 seconds, one-by-one, and the installation will not be interrupted by any addtional questions. :thumbsup:

Edited August 17, 2012 by Bucic

[Boberro]

actually nowadays Linux systems like Ubuntu, Mint or Suse are mainly a great experience out of the box. You get software for almost every imaginable every day task installed by default (internet browser, office suite, archive manager, PDF viewer, multi-protocol instant messenger, media players and codecs, photo viewer and manager, torrent client, you name it!)

Pre-installed tools (apps) for some can be nice addition, for others not really or they don't care. Everyone has own, favourite app for tasks so if pre-installed application is not within your own taste you will not gain any "profits" of having it already on the computer.

 

you don't install any security software (antivirus and firewall are already integrated and completely under-the-hood)

What for Antivirus for such niche system :P If Linux was more popular there'd be more danger. There are no safe systems.

 

At some point after using both systems, Linux and Windows, I realized the hassle after system installation is massive in case of Windows when compared to mainstream Linux distributions.

Could you elaborate?

Times where Windows could be easily corrupted IMHO are gone. If you use system wisely you will not have problems with it.

I use Ubuntu Linux exclusively for almost a year without any problems. Maybe except the infamous kernel power management problems on Intel platforms that has been fixed relatively soon after it was discovered.

My journey was finished at version of 8 (or 8.6 don't remember). I saw nice GUI effects, some things were really nice compared to the XP.... but as you've said it all comes down to.......

 

It all comes down to software selection. If you simply have to run a certain application that has no native Linux version and you don't accept any existing alternatives you simply:

a) don't switch to Linux

b) check whether the application can be run via Wine or a Virtual Machine on Linux

c) use both Windows and Linux on one computer (dual-boot)

 

I vote A. I don't accept alternatives. Famous example of Photoshop - I like this application and for me GIMP is just a crap. Perhaps if I had learnt it first, I could have said other but I didn't. Even GIMPShop will not help (but finally someone noticed Interface understanding problems for migrating people from Photoshop to GIMP).

 

Overall I want from the system - entertainment, games, work and massive amount of software. That all successfully gives you MS Windows 7. Linux can't.

 

For me Linux is good for companies where more secure system is a must. But for home it couldn't, can't and will not match MS Windows.

 

.......... if Linux could run Windows' applications without help of some freaking "emulators" at the same quality like in Windows perhaps situation could change.... but it can't and it will not change ;)