Linux sucks!

I read a lot of web material, and with the release of Windows 7, the Linux talk starts showing again. One article after the other describing how much better Linux is compared to Apple and Microsoft. If Linux is that good and so much better, why does it take years to learn how to use it? Why can't they make it so you can download and simply open it? Or even upgrade Firefox without playing with the command line for an hour or two? And why is there no professional support? I know half the answer to my last question, the people who are at the top don't even know how to dress as professionals, let alone be professionals. The folks at Canonical will send you a free CD, but no manual to accompany it. What good is that? "Free as in free beer?" Free beer always gave me a hangover and so does Linux. Windows 7 is #1!

Who told you it takes years to learn Linux? Linux is an OS, Not an application. Once Linux is booted up, then it's about the applications. I make the same argument with I bump into Mac fanboys.

They talk like just because it's a Mac, they themselves are able to do fantastic things by default. And they talk that nonsense with a straight face too. I do support on all three platforms and when I get questions on how to sum a set of numbers in Excel from these Mac users, my first thought is, "why are you asking me?" But I know why. They ask because they can't. They ask because just because you have a Mac means nothing. Most of these fanboys "can't" on a Mac.

And most get rid of them shortly after they get them because they spent too much to do what they do know how to do. ie run a web browser, watch youtube, run Itunes, hit facebook, gmail and myspace. It's not worth 1600 to 2600 bucks just to do that. Check your local Craigslist. Tons of Macs show up daily.


Anyway, it's about the applications on any of these platforms. Don't get twisted around because you are unfamilier with a Linux desktop. I love win 7 and I'm most familier with it. But I do know Linux and OSX too. And it's all about the applications once it's booted up. Not the OS.

-JazMac

For five months, I indeed was a Linux user. I had the latest versions of Ubuntu, Xubuntu, PCLinuxOS, Moon OS, and Linux Mint. After a month, I stuck with Ubuntu. But getting programs and hardware to work (such as a simple printer) was nerve wracking. I am a little familiar with the Linux desktop, enough to say it isn't my cup of tea. If they want to be popular and grow in numbers, why don't they make a product that works out of the box. I know that there are various "distros", and not a one that I ran into was simple to use. Their forums are larger than the Windows ones are. People having one problem after the other. Printing , applying downloads and software were most of the complaints I ran into. But please don't in any way get me wrong here, I'm not in any way bashing the users. In fact, I have three online friends that I met through Linux Questions.org. A lot of those who choose Linux distros done it in fear of Microsoft, you know, the license deal and all. I do believe in the concept of free software, however you can't build a large OS without professional support. That, you can't get for free. There are a couple of paid Linux distros that has that support, and many businesses rely on them. Xandros is one of them. There was also Linux XP, but the last I read about them, they took their distro to Russia. I found a web page on them when I was trying it out, there was an ad, but upon clicking the link, all I got was a "404" message. Linux distros are probably fine for intellectuals and those who are truly learning to compute, not those who just browse the web, being forum members, send & receive email and shop online. I want to be able to plug in my new printer, insert the driver disc in, and in 5 minutes printing whatever I want. I don't want to be searching the web for compatible drivers, and then when I find and download them, don't know how to execute it. Every Windows system that I've had was simple to learn and run (I skipped Vista, so I can't vouch for it). And with Windows 7, simplicity is what was promised and delivered. It would be false to say that no one has had problems, but most of them that had or have them are the ones upgrading from another system. The ones who bought new (as I did) are not complaining much. But like I said, everyone can run the OS of their choice, I don't care. And in my post, I never launched an attack towards any Linux distro user. I have friends who uses Linux distros and their choice doesn't make me feel harsh towards them. But having used it, I stick to my guns. This is America and that's my opinion of the "distros", as they are called.

Any Operating System is good if you like it

Veedaz, you're right. But I don't like Linux. I love Windows 7!

You have to remember, Linux is not a personal OS by default. The GUI is optional. That being said, I don't run Linux as a personal OS. It is a very useful OS for my server. Almost never have any problems that aren't caused my me, And very reliable. I would not run it as a personal OS though. There are still too many issues in that field.

I would say Microsoft has got there street cred back with Windows 7 after the Vista mistake

Linux by it's self is nothing more then just a kernel basically. Ubuntu Linux, Linux Mint, OpenSuse, these are what you should be saying sucks.

I disagree, but everyone is entitled to an opinion. Linux Distro's are amazing if you think about it. A operating system that comes with a full set of tools for anything you could ever want or need to do on Pc, and it's all for free.

The first time I used a Linux based OS, I was thinking just like you, but I figured there had to be a reason so many people and companies use it. I learned more about it spent a little more time getting familiar With it, and found out it really is a powerful, easy to use system. It just took me not comparing it to windows was all. If you go into using a Linux Distro OS thinking it will be like windows, your wrong. Windows is windows, Mac OS x is what it is, and Linux OS's are what they are.

I've grown up around computers, Windows is all I have ever known until about three months ago. I think I tried Mint first, followed by a series of others and ended up with Ubuntu now. If you take the time like a I did, and do a little research, and learn a little about them, and then pick one that seems to suite your needs, you will be quit pleased with what you find. Almost all of the Linux based OS's are as easy to use as windows now a days. If you don't want to learn how to use the command line you don't have to, there is a software manager with most of them. I set up Ubuntu on my laptop with no problems at all, everything worked like it should. And if it didn't, they have a huge community of people who are happy to help you get your computer working right for FREE.

Most of the software you can get for free is comparable to windows software, either just as good or better. Some Windows software is even ported to work for Linux. You always have the option of running WINE, a virtual Windows app of sorts.

What it all boils down to is, thinking outside the box, in this case, Windows. I will continue using Ubuntu and figure it all out just as I did when I first used Windows. I will learn which software is better suited for me and my needs just like I did for Windows. I will continue to find errors with the OS and have issues with programs and hardware running properly just like I did with Windows. The only difference is, I've spent thousands and thousands of dollars on new versions of Windows and software to run on the new version, and I spent maybe a dollar to use Ubuntu Linux. And that was on DVD-R's and CD-R's I used to burn the different versions until I found one I liked


Edit:
One thing Windows does still take the lead in is, gaming. Nothing can compare to Windows gaming hands down.

For anyone wanting to try out Ubuntu or a few other Lunix desktops, try this.

http://wubi-installer.org/

It allows you to install and use Ubuntu or a few other desktops with out any real worries or effecting your current windows installation. It just installs like any other Windows based application and can be easily uninstalled from your Windows control panel uninstaller.

As for the creator of this post, about 95% of what you said or claim is false.

Linux does have professional support

The command line isn't needed to use it anymore really. You can install uninstall and update from windows and menus just like Windows. There is and has been for a little while now a software database that you can browse from the main menu, and simply install any of the hundreds of apps right from there for free.

As for a manual, the internet is your best friend for this. Just goto google and type in what you want to know. It's amazing what a search engine can find if you use them.

The message forums are huge, and there is a ton of people there 24/7 looking for answers or looking to help at no cost other then time. I think the reason for the forums being so big is, once you figure out where everything is, it's easier for you to locate the exact information you are looking for. Other forums I have visited have only a few categories, and people tend to post everything in to one or two of them. This can make it much harder and take more time to find answers to what it is you need.

And as for working right out of the box.... Windows has never just worked completely perfect for me right out of the box. I've had to update drivers for devices and hardware it didn't recognize and confiugure setting and so on. If I ever installed a OS and it " Just Worked" right out of the box and freshly installed, I'd slap a Nun.

While Windows 7 is a vast improvement over Vista, it still isn't perfect. I'll be the first to admit, I like it a lot and Microsoft has come a long way.


In the end, people must realize that Linux is a open source project. The people who work hard to provide another option to people other then Windows, do so for free for the most part and because they want to. Where as Microsoft has a army of disgruntle " but paid" people working for them. Maybe not disgruntle, but I bet if I met someone who worked there and asked them if they enjoyed the job they wouldn't reply " It's the best thing in the world!".

I would be the first to admit that I have not given a OS that does not bear the Microsoft Logo a fair hand shake. After reading your post Matt, I am almost tempted to try it out.

When I first noticed the Thread title, I only give this thread two days before I figured it would need locking from all the debates and arguing. I must say I am shocked at how long this thread is remaining civil. I do however wonder why we are discussing Linux on a Windows 7 forum. But then we are in a Off-Topic section.

I must mention that one of my requirements for Linux would be that Seagate DiscWizard must work with the OS. If you tell me Seagate DiscWizard will work. I will start hand shakes with Linux.