btw, I just switched four home computers over to Suse this year.

I found that I don't need Windows any longer and I disagree with your "article".

ya know this hardware problem wouldn't be such a problem if you just used linux people

linux has got one huge problem now-
It needs more marketshare for better hardware/software
People don't want to use it b/c it doesn't have good hardware support

I undrestand and sympathise with you and most of the points you made are valid. The reasons are listed above and has little to do with the kernel itself.
I have no IT qualifications and it took me the same amount of time to acquaint myself with Linux methods as it did with MS methods. Key factors about owning and running a Linux desktop are;

1. The support from others users (especially here at LQ) is outstanding. I found no such support in the MS world except if I paid someone to solve the problem.

2. Many of the drivers are not even produced by the manufacturers but developed by users who want to use given hardware and are prepared to share their success with others, thanks to the GPL. What an incredible concept. Doesn't exist in the MS world as everything from MS and the hardware manufacturer is closed source.

3. The single biggest plus for me is the fact that once the system is configured you can go away and know it's going to stay that way. The driver isn't going to suddenly disappear one day and the system isn't going to grind to a stand still till I have the time and the energy to go and do a re-install.

4. Most of the time its fun and you learn something new every day.

5. I do miss those lovely blue screens with white writing telling about some or other catastophe that just happened (NOT). That always amused me a great deal. What was the use of all the technical reasons why it just crashed because no one cares anyway least of all MS.

My last comment is that I noted that you rebooted the system all the time. Linux doesn't need to do this and is the worst part of MS software. If you change something on a given server you just restart that server not the system. This is an aspect that could save hundreds of hours every year. Just thought I would let you know in case you give it another go sometime.

I had/have Linux running on my desktops and servers for over 3 years now.. I have not installed and used Windows on my desktops for over 2 years now.. My job I've even had Linux as my primary desktop for over a year and longer now..

But yeah.. your right... Linux isn't ready for the desktop..

In all honesty...
Great! If that's what works for you, that's fine. Linux is not for everyone.

Honestly, do you think you're the first one to post this? Do a search, I promise it won't hurt...

Simply put, Linux is not Windows. Hackers have to write third-party drivers, because the manufacturers won't. ATI has shoddy, at best, Linux support (you clearly didn't research this well or you would've found that).

Your webcam and scanner manufacturers need to be contacted and petitioned to make Linux drivers. Once again, lack of research on your part to get compatible hardware.

By the way, I've installed 2 distrobutions on this computer. Both have worked nearly flawlessly on a box Windows couldn't get the sound to work on...
Guess what it is: The ultimate "Aunt Tilly" PC: A Dell Dimension 2400... and it works fine.

One other thing: why did you post this here? If you want to point out an opinion, might I suggest a blog?

On that subject, like Marius2, I've been getting fed up with the number of posts lately from people who are determined to argue that Linux isn't a replacement for Windows.

I took a shot at writing a full explanation of why they're fighting the wrong battle. If you can offer any feedback on how I can improve the article, I'd appreciate it. I linked it earlier, but here it is again:
Linux is not Windows

(Note to mods: There's no adverts or anything on this site, I get no money from people visiting, so I hope this doesn't break the forum rules about advertising. If it does, please let me know & I'll be happy to stop referring the link.)

No worries mate..

I'm sure glad, for your sake, that you didn't try Slackware. Good grief,
if you got in touch with that raw power, you'd probably soon be addicted like the rest of us...

I prefer lazy "windows executables and yes/no menus and the like"I am also happier to go through a repetition of key clicks to achieve a task. I dont want to have to know "underlying principles of WHY it works". I just want to be able to install and use the software easily and in peace.
Iceman - I could not agree more but Linux users can get a bit defensive sometimes when they should perhaps listen. Which the vast majority obviously do judging by the improvements made in their later distros.

Regards
Slightly below average computer user struggling with Linux despite himself.

This would be great for my Linux Troll Essay Contest.

We need more entries to judge this contest and the last date is 30th of this month Please do submit in my thread mentioned.

Edit Note: This is serious. Not joking. And not intending to poke fun at the OP. Please do not mistake this post as an insult or anything.

Regards.

Well I would rate my self as below the average power user, if that makes sense. I know more than those who don't understand why they should use an antivirus program, but below those who can configure and customise a system in a few hours. Yet I have managed to install Slackware on a quite modern system and get it up and running correctly with nvidia drivers installed. If you know how to use google and read documentation then it really isn't all that difficult, and slackware is more then ready for my desktop

I didn't realize you linked this from your own domain (I saw it linked in the earlier post and read it).
This is a very well-though-out and well-articulated article - you've my applause for it and it just made my bookmarks

Hey, don't post replies linking to your existing threads.. that's like.. double posting..

I had similar problems intstalling XP on a new box in Feb!! Hardware vedors said: It's your Xp disk, Ms said give us a creditcard, we might help. I figured it out on my own. It was a marginal processor on a motherbord with bad cap syndrome. I'd say it wasn't a newbie friendly situation at all. Linux is more work to set up, but I'd still say you get more than you pay for. My family was able to use my Fedora box with little problem while I have been having constant problems with the XP box. I really don't know if it is hardware or software on the Ms side! Yea, great support, doesn't always work either. I kind of equate it to Windows 3.1 days where everything was a "chalenge". The only problem with Linux competing in the mainstream home market is there are too many distros and too many options, it's too easy to get lost. It's good code, it works right. Hardware vendors use this as an excuse to not provide support. I'd say you had a bad experince. Check the HCL. You might as well been trying to install Windows on an Apple!

Well, this argument doesn't really work anymore...