What is Linux?

[Dan2k3k4]

Well, I'm a total n00b to Linux, I've never actually used it personally and am interested in finding out more and installing it on one of the computers/laptops...

Basically my understanding of Linux is that if I install it on a computer that I've been using with Windows XP for ages, that I'll need to copy over all my windows documents/programs and things... I'll need to install several "linux" versions of the various programs, but I fear some programs may not have a "linux" version. So I'll probably need to use WINE on the Linux system, so that I can still continue to use windows applications...

My fear is that to do all that, it'll take alot of work to get it all working correctly...

The only things I can find on the internet are just those threads about "Linux Vs Windows, Why Linux is Better" - and I don't need to know which is better, I just need to know how I would set it up and be able to still use everything from before...

and I'm also confused about which "linux distro" to use, theres Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Mandriva etc.

I saw a few youtube videos showing how linux can handle more programs running and how it has more "features" like wobbly windows or 3d desktops... looks like its a modders dream...

I read somewhere that you don't need Antivirus software on linux? How can this be true, because whats stopping someone from downloading a virus via an email or something? and if the linux OS blocks any program from modifying files without notification, then wouldn't that mean I'd get hundreds of notifications asking if I want to let this program do this or that etc.?

and from my understanding you don't need "drivers" for hardware, so does this mean you don't need to update your graphics card drivers "ever?" and what about plugging in a new mouse/keyboard, will it pick this up instantly and let you use it instantly?

This is what I think of Linux/Mac/Windows:
Windows = The common system, everyone knows how to use a windows machine, so they feel comfortable using it
Mac = Mainly for students or people on the go, they like to customise there desktop to give it that unique feel, whereas Windows has that "everyone looks the same/similar" feel to it
Linux = Mainly for servers, and people who want to learn to modify things and test on Linux, it's also for large database systems which can run fast and process multiple calculations, whereas Windows doesn't run as fast...

Of course, that is just my overall opinion, I have never used a Mac or a Linux... but that is my overall broad view on the 3...

I'm also under the impression that if I do install Linux, there will be soo many features to get used to and so many things to tweak and config, which may take a long time. I also think that shortcuts like ctrl-alt-del will do something else, so I'll need to learn more shortcuts...

If it does take a few weeks to setup and learn, and then takes another few months to actually have everything I need/want setup - I wouldn't really see the point in using Linux other than to get ideas about modifications...

Anyway, can you guys explain more about linux to me?

Also what happens if I install a windows version of an application by mistake, instead of the linux version... would it not work? or would it tell you that this is a windows version and you'll need to get the linux version from "here"?

Edit: Also what about Direct X? I read somewhere that Linux doesn't support this, so no DX Games work unless you use WINE?

[=98=]

Re: What is Linux?

My Linux Ubuntu:



So, so, so easy to learn. But, it is an absolute b*tch to install programs that are not in the Synaptic Package thing.

It means breaking out a bit of terminal and "java -jar ........" or

cd Documents
./ java_i586.bin

I hate terminal. Took me 30 mins just to install a Java SDK pack :|:

Otherwise, Linux is extremely quick, so i use it on my laptop. I get an extra 45mins battery compared to Vista because it's not being eaten up by background processes.

[AllFoamNoBeer]

Re: What is Linux?

There's a dead rabbit on the bend... :shock:

[Eagle101]

Re: What is Linux?

Lol this is going to sound pretty stupid but is that a real picture or GT5?

[=98=]

Re: What is Linux?

It is real. It is the Pagani Zonda made completely out of Carbon Fibre. I think the track is Laguna Seca (the corkscrew)

[reynolddog]

Re: What is Linux?

Lol this is going to sound pretty stupid but is that a real picture or GT5?

Hard to tell, isn't it? Love that game. Can't wait till the final game.

[TheSpark29]

Re: What is Linux?

Back on topic.... To me, Linux isn't necessarly "better", it's just "different".

Disclaimer: I'm not Linux guru. I'm just a power user, who honestly is pretty new to Linux, but has experience with it. So I don't know the nitty-gritty reasons. What I say is based on how I perceive Linux works. I could be wrong.

You don't need to copy all your data over. Linux can read Windows drives. Yes you will have to reinstall programs. I haven't used WINE, but generally, there is a linux version or another program that does the same thing.

Linux does take some time and effort to do more advanced things. (like getting all the programs you want, configuring advanced settings, etc)

Like I said, I don't think Linux as "better. Just "different" Both OSs have their ups and downs.

A "distro" is just the Linux kernel with a set desktop manager, programs and settings. Certain ones are designed for certain general purposes. (EX: CentOS is for servers) I recommend Ubuntu because it is really easy to get into, is easy to use, and has a huge community. But honestly, there isn't much functional differences between most mainstream distros.

How many programs Linux can run (vs Windows, I assume) doesn't matter 99.9% of the time. But the Desktop Effects are kickass!! :yay: Linux is a modders dream. Everything about the OS is literally customizable. Compared to Windows, it appears (I'm no programmer) that it is easier to "do" things in Linux. Example, I've set up some cool uses for Bluetooth (BlueProximity, and Wii Remote as mouse) that I've never gotten to work in windows. Both of my bluetooth projects were installed and working in minutes with a few commands. (quite literally) I would never dream those things possible in windows without some work.

No, Since Windows has 95+% of the market share, why would a virus target 5% of people? There are no malware/adware threats for Linux AFAIK. And programs execute differently in Linux than on Windows. If its virus was written for Windows, it won't work in Linux. Because the virus "can't" run, there are few if not 0, security risks.

Well, you do need drivers. Its just that Linux seems to have generic drivers that work for lots of devices. Drivers for specific hardware often arnt needed. For example, I never installed a driver for my wifi card on my laptop. Linux has the ability to access the card and use it without extra drivers. Again, this is just a different approach from Windows. Windows, needs to be told exactly how to use each bit of hardware, it won't recognize it otherwise. As for updating drivers, driver updates are rare. Why? I can't say for sure. And yes, because the "genericness" of Linux drivers, adding hardware is easy.

As for your understand of the OSs, I don't think Linux is faster.... (on a modern day system) I think it may have some architectural differences that may make it more server-friendly. Here's my take on the OSs.
Windows: Everywhere. With such a huge market share, (most consumer) software is first made to run on windows.
Mac: Useless. They use Intel hardware, half of em run XP, what's the point? I'd only get a mac because they look different but I'd most certainly run XP on it. MacOS? Useless.:shakehead:
Linux: Customizable. You want it? You got it in Linux.

Here's a metaphor using model car kits: Windows comes pre-assembled, but you can paint it how you want, and change stuff like the wheels and seats. But the engine and body can't be changed. MacOS comes completey pre-assambled. However, it uses a different engine, so all the Windows parts don't work on MacOS. Useless... Linux comes as a box of wood. You build it. You can do whatever you want. Linux also has distros, which are pre-made cars that you can (and are encouraged to) change any part.

Linux is really easy to get used to. Not as hard as you think. Most desktop Linux Distros have a UI that is very similar to Windows. I just gave Ubuntu to a friend two days ago, (he's an average user) and he can do all the basic tasks (email, music, internet) with no problem. Linux is easy to get into. It would take a couple of weeks getting used to and configuring it to your tastes, but it not too bad.

You can't run a Windows program in Linux. Linux executes programs differently. A .exe file won't work in Linux.

As far as I'm concerned, LINUX= NO GAMES !! With 95+% of the market share, why would game developers make a Linux version? It doesn't make sense. And yes I've heard of WINE and such, but for the average user, Linux isn't for games.

My advice: Download Ubuntu. (32bit desktop version) Burn the .iso to a CD. When you boot, it has a feature called, a Live CD, which means the OS is running from the CD. That way, you can see exactly what Linux is like, without installing anything. (If you have a RAID array, don't use the Live CD, trust me ) The Live CD will be slower than an actual installation, but it shows you exactly what Linux is like. Try it out!

[Dan2k3k4]

Re: What is Linux?

Hmm that helps alot...

I looked on WINE's website and found out which Windows applications work "perfectly/with minor tweaks/with minor errors/don't work" - so I'll still have to keep Windows... :/

but I never knew about the Live CD thing, I don't have a RAID Array so I'll give it a try when I get time in 2-3 weeks...

[=98=]

Re: What is Linux?

However, it's very likely that Valve are bringing the source engine to Linux.

[camper.]

Re: What is Linux?

However, it's very likely that Valve are bringing the source engine to Linux.

Valve lead the way in everything. There were rumours of this back in 2007. Either they have a bunch of infinite monkeys with typewriters hammering away as we speak, or it was just that - a rumour.

[Xodus]

Re: What is Linux?

There is absolutely no reason to go to linux on your home PC if you ever play games or anything like that. I have Ubuntu on my laptop, why? Because I only use it for work, and don't play games or anything.

So here's the check:

Do I want to play games - Yes - KEEP WINDOWS
|
No - Do I want to do stuff without having to play with command line - No - Keep Windows
|
Yes - Get linux

[Vreki]

Re: What is Linux?

Hmm that helps alot...

I looked on WINE's website and found out which Windows applications work "perfectly/with minor tweaks/with minor errors/don't work" - so I'll still have to keep Windows... :/

but I never knew about the Live CD thing, I don't have a RAID Array so I'll give it a try when I get time in 2-3 weeks...

Back in Ye Days of Old Linux was not for the faint of hearth, but today I don't think it is worse than windows. Get a standard distribution with a nice GUI etc. and you are set.
Installing a free office suite like open office shouldn't be much of a problem either.

But the thing is that most of your friends and colleagues will probably still be using windows with its proprietary file formats. And you cant always be sure that there are a reliable way to convert between the formats of your Linux system and the world of Microsoft.
It is different when a whole company converts to Linux at once because then they is not much need for being Windows compatible.

And then there is the question of games of course

My own experience is that you will still need Windows for games and work, and then there isn't much incentive to mess around with Linux except for curiosity.

If you wanted to set up some kind of server that would be different, but for personal use I don't really see the point.

Still, its free, and besides a Live CD it can also coexists with windows in a dual boot environment.