Is Linux right for you? Should you switch?

[PoliticalDestruction]

Whoa why do a video if you are only going to bash Linux, and more particularly why are you bashing Linux? I find Linux to be extremely powerful and much more useful than Windows for MOST situations. Sure it has its downfalls, but for god sakes, ITS FREE! The programs are FREE. help is for the most part FREE. and it is virus FREE.

[ectoplasm12345]

You had me until "More for servers"

[supertruckertom]

Ubuntu user since version 8.10 Intrepid Ibex.

For basic home use by non gamer adults and kids doing homework, what else do you need?

I use Chrome for Linux as the browser.

NO BSOD around this house.

[dvamateur]

I've been using Ubuntu for about a week now on my laptop, and everything seems to be working okay, like DVD player, YouTube, Facebook, and my Firewire MIDI/audio interface. What else do you need, he he? Of course, I am keeping Windows 7 in separate partition just in case of printer drivers unavailability. Anyway, I can't believe how easy it was to install Ubuntu in its own partition, it resised Windows partition for me, I didn't know you could do that.

[Afrocanuk]

Since I have XP all backed up, I'll try Linux again. I first tried it about 7-8 yrs. ago.

[TheAnon08]

You seem to be a bit of a noob. When talking about something as major as an OS, you need to get all ur facts properly documented before rambling incoherently

[geograndsand]

MAC MAC MAC!

[ENightmare69]

I stuck Ubuntu on my laptop 4 years ago and have been perfectly happy with it in every way. No spywear/drm/adware/viruses, it doesn't get slower over time, all software is free (no need to pay every year for the latest version as well!!) and generally.. its faster!! I put Ubuntu/Windows dual boot on the same physical hard drive.. and linux runs faster! I can make a cup of coffee in the time it takes windows to boot, Ubuntu boots in under 15 seconds. I use PS3 for gaming *shrugs*

[Tununias]

You forgot to mention that you can play Minecraft on Linux.

[BadB87]

Matt.....Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaamon

[deception1845]

switched to linux 2 years ago and never went back. windows is only good for gaming and nothing else.

[JGervstudios2011]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA YOU EVEN THINK OF HAVING A LINUX! Fail

[cxs00]

have you ever used linux?

[DefconComputers]

@cxs00 Yes, each version and distro is different.

[cxs00]

@DefconComputers i mean..."have you ever used linux more than 10:45 min and outside a virtual machine?" Linux is easy is trasnparent and free, most windows user find it dificult because the dont want to change, i switch to linux like 1 year ago and never go back linux is easier my 65 year old father whit 0 experiens in linux or windows, is using linux for almost every day computing w/o any problems he learned in like 1 week and you saying linux is not por desktops and incopatible...

[DefconComputers]

@cxs00 I've used it several times, in the mid and late 90's, again for awhile in the early and mid 2000's as well. I still run it on my Macbook as well. Don't get me wrong, it has vastly improved over the years. But the core issues still exist for any power user, and that is poor support and incompatibility issues. Basic use for browsing the internet and checking the email is spot on, but when I start using advanced tools I find I waste more time trying to get it to work than using the tools.

[cxs00]

@DefconComputers im still wondering what incompatibility issues? and what advanced tools?.. you cant argue lack of support. almost every distro have plenty of forums or wiki , like ubuntu forums, linuxquestios, arch wiki, alien pastures etc... if you are talking about hardware incopatibility the only two things that comes in mind are Nvidia optimus and the old dial-up "winmodems" .

PD: sorry my bad english im a spanish speaker

PD2: im not farguing im discussing healthy discussing

[DefconComputers]

@cxs00 Pretty much any development or security scanning tools. The issue is alot better with Ubuntu, but many free distros give you bare bones and you end up spending almost an entire day trying to install package after package, and libraries just to get one program to work. The old free Suse versions were bad at this. The forums do provide support, but many new users get shunned on basic questions. Nvidia drivers are a big issue, but any cheap hardware seems to be a problem.

[cxs00]

@DefconComputers i think is matter of taste, i preffer vim+makefiles over any other IDE or development tool

in security i never tryed with "pure" desktop distros but i dont have any problems with slack(currently mysql+apache+php+dns+tftp+dhcp­+cups+ssh), ubuntu forums has a great comunity and alot of user to user support do not know about "official" support but google, linuxquestions and alien pastures are doing it well for slackware. other distros like arch and salix os have great wikis n' FAQ's

[merkur32123]

Windows is for n00bs!!!!

Mac is for cool people!

Linux is for Nerds, like me! XD

[cbgc95]

@merkur32123 i agree :D

[MalloryJacobPacheco]

LINUX is just for kids, all that eyecandy, 3d effects, compiz, desktop effects and etc. The real question is, should you stick with windows, or get a mac? WINDOWS is windows, if you are switching from windows to mac, it's no big deal, adobe programs work for mac too, and there are a lot of great alternatives for vegas, talking about editing. for example, final cut. and most of the windows programs work on macs too, and gaming, just get an xbox. an yes there are no good editing programs for linux

[sillychicken599]

@MalloryJacobPacheco It's not just for kids. I use it as my OS because I like how it does things. If you see my computer I do not have all of these cubes and wobbly windows and other stupid stuff. All i have is something that switches desktops like spaces on os x and a window switcher like expose. I could argue macs are for kids because they are dumbed down a lot. don't get me wrong i love os x but please don't take a minority and make it a majority because all linux user are not kids.

Adam

[MalloryJacobPacheco]

@sillychicken599 don't be stupid, you think a kid can even install linux? that's not what i meant, most people who use linux have shallow happiness, they want linux, chose linux because of the stupid eye candy caught them, and they can't afford a mac (or pc), the real thing, and never compare linux to mac, it's blasphemy, what's linux anyway? if you don't use programs like photoshop, vegas, after effects, pc programs, and you can't afford a mac, then linux is for you. linux is just a playground.

[zhoulingyu]

@MalloryJacobPacheco

Mac users are quite arrogant and rude whose deep happiness lies in sneering at Linux or Windows users.

You spoke for yourself.

[HealyHQ]

@MalloryJacobPacheco You do realize that Linux = PC too, right? Or did you mean Windows? Please stop being a douchebag for one second and learn that PC != Windows. PC = Linux, Solaris, BSD, Unix, Chrome, LynxOS, OpenStep, et al, and Windows; basically, anything that's NOT Mac. There's more to PC than Windows, sonny. When speaking of Windows and Mac, CALL IT Windows and Mac, NOT "PC and Mac." Thanks.

[MalloryJacobPacheco]

@HealyHQ yes i know that PC stands for personal computer, so all of them are PCs. but PC is what they call windows, and btw, MAC is also a Personal Computer, mr. smartypantz! you don't get the point do you? your brain is just too damn small to understand. who cares?? I'm talking about linux having no good alternatives of programs such as sony vegas, and besides, nobody even asked for your opinion, so get lost, butthead! you don't know anything if you don't know that windows is also called pc!

[DefconComputers]

@murderslastcrow I game about 50% with my desktop, but mostly the issue I have here is the software is there... but it's kinda like half there if you know what I mean. For example, I consider Thunderbird to be the only really decent on linux, all the others work, but they are either buggy, operate in a very odd manner, or are missing key features. Yes I can go through and get 10 other programs to do the same tasks, but I should'nt have to.

[LinuxUserForever]

@DefconComputers Why are you doing videos on Linux?? You don't seem to have a clue about anything!! I hate to be rude but... someone like you will have a problem in any OS... but you'll get it when you don't want it... psssttt... doh-head!!

[ckildegaard]

@DefconComputers It is the truth that Linux is much more popular on servers than anything else. And yes, it does depend on what you want to do. If you need productivity software (email, browser, office suite, etc) and want it on a computer that is secure, flexible, and won't crash--I suggest Linux. In terms of multi media it's a bit behind, but for productivity it's fine. Is linux the PERFECT OS? No, I wouldn't say it is. But is it making good progress as time goes on? Yep.

[GenoSkill]

this video is FUCKING BORING. nobody gives a shit about your backbone story

[DefconComputers]

@GenoSkill Let me know how I can present this in an entertaining and hilarious way in 10 minutes or less, while covering all the issues. Maybe I should put on a hat, dance, and sing a song about it next time?

[DanQuijote777]

@DefconComputers hey thats seems like a good idea :P

[MrC0MPUT3R]

I am using Ubuntu 10.04. I haven't used windows in over a year. :D

[Frap357]

Nowadays with Ubuntu 10.04 and 10.10, Ubuntu is much better.

Upcoming 11.04 will hopefully be even better :)

[rabbitnightmare]

wif??? its pronounced "WITH" go back to school and learn how to friggen talk

[alexandercurran]

Linux can do just as much as Windows if not more, and it can do it faster. But personally, I prefer Mac OS X Snow Leopard.

Sorry if I offended any Windows users.

[t2491tom]

Man this video sucks.

[hippyslovepot]

"Windows emulation software like WINE" WINE is not an emulator, it is a software layer. Your review was "geared towards beginners" but it doesn't appear like you know what you're talking about, so why would a beginner want to learn anything from you.

[DefconComputers]

@hippyslovepot No matter how much the WINE community says it's not an emulator it's behavior matches what an emulator is to a T. It does not use original windows DLL files, and provides a way to allow programs to run without it. How that can not be an emulator does not make sense.

[hippyslovepot]

@DefconComputers WINE literaly stands for (W)ine (I)s (N)ot an (E)mulator.

Explain that lol. It is not an emulator, it does not emulate. is it a software layer.

[DefconComputers]

@hippyslovepot and as I said before the Wine community swears it is not an emulator, I can call an NES emulator a software layer as well. Now to their benefit I will say that it is not emulating another machine or chipset, but is emulating the environment settings and functions. That is where I believe they claim it is not an emulator, but it does emulate the functions and API's of windows.

[hippyslovepot]

@DefconComputers You could probably benefit from reading the FAQ's on the wine website.

[Tobiash87]

You know like nothing about Ubuntu Linux, and you obviously don't know nothing about wine. Wine is VERY efficient. There are great native games for Linux (ID Software games for example) like Heroes of Newerth to be one of the greatest. I can play Dawn of War series and CoD 4 with wine with absolutely no problems via wine.

[DefconComputers]

@Tobiash87 The debate on if Wine is emulation or not seems to never end. I look at it this way, if I am going to run windows apps I would rather run them in a full copy of windows in a VM and not have to worry about issues. Yes I take a performance hit, but I accept that performance hit in exchange for productivity and simpler maintenance.

[Raja221]

you should try linux mint 9. and give a real review on it. its the best ubuntu 10.04 YET. linux mint 9 all teh way. ubuntu reaaaaallly sucks.

[DefconComputers]

@Raja221 I'll probably load up Mint in a VM to give it an overview comparison between 10.04

[DefconComputers]

@Bayonetta4 Some laptops it is flawless some it barely works. It all depends on the driver support for the distro. It is much better than it used to be though.

[spyke180]

Most of the features you mention are features of the Gnome desktop environment and not Linux. And as for poor game support, Have you played Nexuiz or Warsow?

I think Ubuntu is just as (if not more) suited for desktop use than Windows.

The only thing windows can do that Linux can't is play games made for Windows, which Mac OS can't do either.

[DefconComputers]

@spyke180 True but keep in mind where new users will be coming from. Windows can have a different shell and gui just like Linux can, but most users stick to that default shell and never change it. Linux is an odd ball here because most linux power users are about fully changing every bit of their OS as much as they can.

[squarechannel]

you dont use linux much do you? :( ...well at least you tried to give a review.

[DefconComputers]

@squarechannel I tried to gear this review more towards basic beginners wanting to get into Linux and felt they needed to see the immediate issues they will have. I use Linux more at a command prompt than a gui as well. But it still only gets used a few times a year.

[squarechannel]

@DefconComputers ...yeah that's exactly what i said, you dont use it much. (and i quote) "..But still only gets used a few times a year."

Don't get me wrong im not trying to flame or anything but i would expect someone making a review to go over the product they're reviewing a bit more in depth; but that's just my very personal opinion. Kudos on trying though

[NobodySpecial85]

If you're not computer literate, you should stay away from Linux.

I installed it first time today, but I easily got into it w/ no help as I'm already have good knowledge on computers from hardware to software.

One thing I'll have to say is that Linux is NOT for beginners as it would give them a heart attack.

A steep learning curve indeed... unless you're already computer literate then make the switch.

[Tobiash87]

@NobodySpecial85 Then how come my parents absolutely loved Ubuntu and use it all the time on their notebooks? In my opinion Ubuntu Linux is MUCH easier to use than Windows, and is thousand years ahead in terms of flexibility and ergonomy of work.

[Raja221]

i gave you 2 stars for effort . as you doing a review on something you have no idea about. 2 stars for effort.

[Raja221]

WHy do people even make a DAMN review before they do their fking research?????? WINE stands for Wine Is Not Emulation. Go look it up!!! it basically tricks software into thinking they are installing their programs on windows with C/drive and system 32. it is not emulation. GET you fking facts right next time. second. when it comes to video editing Linux is better now as KDENlive is a clone of sont vegas but free. !! its better than alot of paid programs 4 winblows. GO DO YOUR F**KING RESEARCH

[DefconComputers]

I am aware of what WINE does, but in the short of it that is what emulation is. Either making the system think,or act like it is running something else.

I admit I do not have much video editing experience on Linux, the last time I checked for a video editor on there was many years ago.

[maw88ify]

@DefconComputers You are forgetting Linux has Crossover Games (cxgames) , Cedega, and Play On Linux ... Plus Linux now has Mac-on-Linux ...

Why would any one waist their time taking out their hard drive when they could safely fully install Ubuntu using WUBI ? WUBI rocks ...

Wubi only adds an extra option to boot into Ubuntu. Wubi does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC

Then I run Windows 7 in VirtualBox and Mac OS in VMware Player inside of Linux... Linux has VirtualBox ..

[DefconComputers]

@maw88ify I have honestly never bothered to try and play games on a Linux machine, so I'll have to check into that to see how those work. I recommend removing the drive because of the risks involved with repartitioning a drive with existing data on it. Most of the time it works fine, but I have seen it fail. Plus in some cases users have full hard drives.

[Fix3rSWiiTCH]

@Raja221 Mate KDENlive sux compared to Sony Vegas... There is no good video editing stuff in ubuntu.

[Raja221]

@Fix3rSWiiTCH lol i guess you dont know how to use it.

[ShadowEater120880]

@Raja221 It's Wine is not an emulator actually

[stmpoodle]

I feel exactly the same as you said about SUSE

[commodore256]

Wine isn't emulation, it just implements the Windows APIs.

Wine sucks for games with a shit load of DRM, but my friend gets a higher frame rate with World of Warcrack using OpenGL in win than his full native Windows XP Partition using DirectX.

Sometimes wine is better., but wine can't do everything.

[itsbrad212]

Arch ftw :D

[himynameisbillybobjo]

hey can u help me out? i have it on my flash drive, what do i do now? can you like..post a video tutorial (im on windows vista) on how to switch? thanks.

[DefconComputers]

You mean you have linux on a thumb drive? I have a video on installing Ubuntu. If your switching because of Vista, I would suggest taking a look at Windows 7 first. It's pretty slick.

[SMacEwan]

All of my computing, web browsing, program testing is done in RedHat. My windows XP machine is linked via my server but is never allowed to connect to the internet. Since 2000 Linux has proved to be not only Secure (lacking in Windows) but also very stable, also lacking in Windows.

Ubuntu has led to many Windows converts and makes it very user friendly for people wanting take a quick tour. Drivers can be a problem but this can be overcome 90% by going to the very friendly Linux Community. THNX

[DefconComputers]

The problem I have had with drivers on Linux is that when I need them, it's that they don't exist. When they do exist they generally work fine with no problems.

Then you have to download a bunch of source code and compile it.

I ask this, why don't many programers for linux provide compiled programs. Many have told me that it's for performance, but all the time I spend compiling the code would negate it in the long run.

[iugamarian]

Hmm... The Linux community is harsh, but has published recently about all you need to know. You just need to ask Google anything about linux, and Google is not harsh. Also, if you want nerdy stuff, search on Wikipedia, and Wikipedia is also not harsh. It's a computer world - don't ask people, ask sites :). People are old... sites are new...

[DefconComputers]

Oh yeah Google solves lots of issues. However we know all uber noobs click the new thread button the second they see it.

[waspbr]

@iugamarian

well google is your friend when it comes to solve problems, but the ubuntuforums are very noob friendly.

[hewides]

I had a mac for years, I had XP also for years, but nothing comes close to Linux, so I am Win-free now. I never thought that this would happen, but its fine for me, because there are games on Linux and if you wanna play topgames I would recommend a PS3 (I got one), so there is no need for Windows at all. And one point at last: it is true, you gotta have interest in computing if you use Linux, but you get the best community in the world, they help you and you learn about computing by the way.

[DefconComputers]

Unfortunately most of the Linux community is pretty harsh towards absolute beginners. It's gotten better in the last few years, but it's still pretty bad.

I've seen some responses on Ubuntu forums that are positive, and then bad ones that are just "Stop using a babies' Linux and grow up".

[SMacEwan]

Here here....

[YomorokaXD]

ubuntu saved me from vista :)