[plug] [plug-ctte] Linux enthusiasm - too good to be true?

[Kev]

Patrick Coleman wrote:
> J & M Kampert wrote:
>   
>> About two months ago, I tried to run an LCD monitor on  my "Windows XP
>> home" computer. It was a disaster: XP could not set the screen
>> definition to match the LCD's needs. Possibly I could have fixed this
>> then with a graphics card; BUT the old computer {My ninth or tenth?} is
>> not a good candidate in my opinion for hardware experiments. So I
>> recalled from my days as a computer systems manager/accountant [HP NCR
>> mini computer systems in the bad old days of tape back-ups etc] that
>> there is such a thing as LINUX nee UNIX which could get me out of the
>> clutches of Microsoft without switching to [an even more expensive]
>> MacIntosh system.
>>  
>> I started to read up on LINUX, and developed the impression that either
>> it's very very good, or it's too good to be true.
>>  
>> I purchased two CD's from your Perth supply address: LINUX XP 2006SR2
>> and then SimplyMepis 6.5.02.
>>  
>> The first wouldn't even demo, the second demo'd under Windows XP but
>> didn't seem to accept any scanners.
>>  
>> SO, I decided to play it safe and bought a new PC with a faster CPU,
>> more RAM a twenty inch LCD and Windows VISTA, the system that allows me
>> to write this email. This also enabled me to download Open Office and
>> GIMP under Windows VISTA, saving me a small fortune for software
>> replacements. After two days of systems work, I got my old printers and
>> cameras to work under Vista, but the download of a Canon driver for my
>> old scanner failed, so I had to invest in a new one. Open Office and
>> GIMP allowed me to continue to work  on my existing data from MS Office
>> and Photoshop. 
>>  
>> Then I took the chance to try and install a version of Linux on the old
>> box, hoping it would allow me to learn Linux and so to eventually rid
>> myself of VISTA.
>>  
>> the results:
>>  
>> Simply Mepis 6.5.02 did instal, and wiped out all the old Windows XP,
>> all other software and data, BUT then demanded a registration number,
>> which I haven't got, and the old box is not [yet] connected to the net.
>> Furthermore Mepis did not seem to have loaded much of Open Office!
>>  
>> I then tried LINUX XP 2006SR2, which wiped off Mepis but then could
>> not/would not properly auto-reformat the disk and hence did not install
>> itself. Now the old computer system is just an empty shell with only a BIOS!
>>  
>> Perhaps I should re-install Windows XP Home on it and use it for storing
>> back-up data?
>>  
>> If you can show a way into Linux without requiring a Uni or TAFE
>> course,  then I look forward on installing LINUX without eating also a
>> box of panadol!
>>  
>> But for now, I tend to the belief that the Internet-hype about Linux is
>> just that; it's great if you are a tinkerer/hobbyist; but no good if you
>> expect your computer to work as a tool!
>>  
>> Regards,
>>  
>> John Kampert, retired accountant
>>
>>     
>
> Hi John,
>
> I'd recommend you try Ubuntu - its hardware detection is very good and it's great as far
> as "just works" goes. I use it on my various desktops and my laptop because I don't have
> to stuff around with it (I spend my time breaking Linux servers at work instead). Ubuntu
> has become an extremely popular distribution recently because of this.
>
> If you would like a copy and don't want to download it (if you want to you can from
> http://ftp.iinet.net.au/pub/ubuntu-releases/8.04/ubuntu-8.04-desktop-i386.iso) let me know
> and I can give you a copy at our next seminar.
>
> I've cc'd this to our mailing list, in case anyone there has any other suggestions. If
> you're interested in learning more I'd recommend you subscribe (if you haven't already) -
> you can do so at http://plug.org.au/resources/mailing-list.
>
> Everyone: you may want to cc John on any replies.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Patrick Coleman
> President, PLUG
> linux.org.au
>   


G'day John,

At the risk of starting a religious war in PLUG, you sound just like a 
candidate for Xandros.  They /specifically/ aim their distro at Windoze 
refugees.  Whilst Ubuntu, and quite a few others, are very good, they're 
not for the /absolute/ beginner.  They're for tier 2 beginners.  That 
goes double for someone near my own age bracket - you did say retired!  
I now play regularly with new distros (been installing the latest 
Klikit, Mandriva and Kubuntu tonight) but if Xandros hadn't appeared 
(recommended by a PLUG committee member I might add) I would have given 
up on Linux altogether.  Xandros is /the definitive/ beginners' Linux.  
You can learn all you need there to be productive for evermore, or give 
you enough background to go forward and become a real geek.  Either way, 
it's the one standout best entry level distro, bar none!  If you want to 
give it a try I have a DVD of the latest free version - just drop me a 
line and I can send a copy to you (I'm in Albany).  If it means anything 
to you, it's a Debian based distro using the KDE desktop and all 
defaulted to make a Windoze user feel quite at home.  You have all the 
power and stability of Linux in a very familiar looking environment.

Cheers
Kev

-- 
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Kev Downes
kdownes at bbnet.com.au  ph 0404 7 0808 2
We used to use and recommend Xandros but they went to the dark side
So we'll soon be using and recommending Debian Etch
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There are 10 types of people ...
   ... those who understand binary, and those who don't!
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There is sufficient light for those who desire to see,
and there is sufficient darkness for those of a contrary disposition.
        - Blaise Pascal, Pensees 149
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