Thread: Want to throw my computer

Originally Posted by Birnando

I agree with what the others have said. Mostly.
Linux is a great OS, and has many advantages.
Going with a Linux distro would also certainly take care of many security issues, including viruses.

I would, however, not recommend a Linux system for the novice computer user.
There is a learning curve on Linux, if it was all plug and play, this would have been the number one system out there.
After all, it is free and very stable/secure.

Now, I don't wanna see this turn in to a Flame war with the usual arguments thrown out from the different sides out there.
I just feel the OP should know that there are potential challenges in switching, very much depending on your level of computer skills.
Setting up repositories, handling TAR balls and all the other stuff you might run into is not terribly intuitive.

And this was said by someone raised on UNIX

It really depends on what you want to do with your computer. Ubuntu and mint are pretty easy to use and pretty much plug and play. Ubuntu has the non-free repositories enabled by default, so you can find software pretty easily. They even have a nice "Software Center" GUI.

If you want to run windows programs on Linux, it can be done for some,but takes some work. PlayOnLinux makes it easier though(in the repositories).


Edit: Birnando, I thought for sure you would have thrown "buy a mac" in there somewhere

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

It really depends on what you want to do with your computer.

Edit: Birnando, I thought for sure you would have thrown "buy a mac" in there somewhere

Exactly right, and that was indeed my point. It depends on a few factors
I think the Latest Ubuntu distro is good stuff!

Re: the Edit

Nah, I'm to old for that
I say let people use what works for them, and I will use what works best for me.
I've spent so much time on Windows, Mac, Linux and Unix that I know they all work

But I guess my Avatar is a bit of a give away...