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I love Linux and I love all it offers. I am a huge supporter of open source in all its forms.
However, despite my desire to run a Linux distribution as my primary desktop, I cannot for the following reasons:
1) Games, despite software like WINE and WINEX (Cedega), run differently in Linux, if at all
When a new game comes out in the stores, and I buy it, I run home and install it on my PC. However, with Linux, I would have to use quasi-emulation software such as WINE and Cedega to do so. That being said, new games oftentimes do not run properly without new versions of Wine and Cedega. For example, it may take a few weeks for Cedega to support a new game, if they even decide to support it. Plus Cedega costs a pretty penny and has a monthly fee. This is my #1 reason for not switching.
2) Windows Applications, despite the great success WINE has had, still have issues running in Linux
WINE does a badass job of running Windows apps, but it's not entirely perfect; some applications fail to run altogether, and others require lots of tweaking before operating.
3) Hardware support under Linux is usually awesome, but some manufacturers don't produce drivers for Linux, and others don't even care
For instance, ATI has been notorious with their Linux drivers. Sure, they offer some, but they PALE in comparison to the awesome drivers that Nvidia produces. Older hardware tends to detect and run flawlessly under recent distros, but sometimes new and unique hardware has issues. I'm also worried about my PATA IDE PCI card I have running two of my hard-drives; it's not integrated into the BIOS, obviously, and required me to install specific drivers in XP for it to work correctly.
4) Consumer-level software developers don't care about Linux
How many pieces of software at your local retailer (Best Buy, Fry's, Target, etc) will run out-of-the-box natively on Linux? Yeaaaah...
Here's some things from a few other users on my forum and their reasons:
Quote:
Originally Posted by GoldEagle
Things I don't like about Linux
- Cedega works perfectly but installing the games is a bitch. Really I'm going for some games specifically ported for Linux like Quake Wars that may run faster on Linux. Games seems to be the huge push factor from linux.
- The biggest issue I have is trying to run Windows apps that I've been attached to for a very long time. But synaptic fills in the void.
- Driver support is excellent however it takes forever to get a USB wireless driver to work. And the internet is the only place you can get it resolved :S
- Bootloaders in the MBR are the ghey.
- Windows networking is godly. But I'm not sure it's that easy on linux.
Things I do:
- Not microsoft.
- I got complete control over my software and not restrictions put on my activities. No stupid licensing or PC crippling.
- OpenGL!!!
- Cool GUI and the command line actually has commands that do stuff.
- Preloaded apps, fast install, no real need for anti-virus software.
- Actual progress in software development.
- Tons of desktop games.
- Works on almost all system requirements. Different flavours for different people.
- FAST and clean file system.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Synical
If all games and hardware were supported by Linux, I'd use it full time.
----------
The reason I'm posting this is I'm hoping you all can share some ideas and thoughts with my predicament; Should I continue to use Windows? Should I try (yet again) to switch?
Please pose your thoughts on this situation, thanks!
1) Games, despite software like WINE and WINEX (Cedega), run differently in Linux, if at all 2) Windows Applications, despite the great success WINE has had, still have issues running in Linux 3) Hardware support under Linux is usually awesome, but some manufacturers don't produce drivers for Linux, and others don't even care 4) Consumer-level software developers don't care about Linux
My thoughts:
1. Submit your complaints about game manufacturers who ignore the Linux market directly to those game manufacturers.
2. Submit your complaints about Windows apps not running perfectly under Linux to Microsoft
3. Submit your complaints about the lack of Linux drivers directly to the hardware manufacturers
4. If the hardware and software manufacturers took Linux seriously, this item would not be an issue
Just to be clear, the only point I'm trying to make here is that if a given corporation decides to *ignore* the Linux market, and they refuse to offer a Linux version of their hardware drivers and/or software, it's not really fair to blame Linux for "bad support". After all, the entire Linux movement is basically a volunteer effort. Maybe if these hardware and software companies were made aware of the demand for their products in Linux, they'd choose to support it. Hence my encouragement to contact the manufacturer with your comments.
If games are your primary concern, run Windows. Or get a console instead of upgrading your video card when the next game is introduced. Either way, your problem is solved.
If you want to run Linux for other things, install VMWare Server (free) and run Linux as a virtual machine. Alternatively, you can install Cygwin (sort of a reverse WINE), and use a great deal of Linux software that way.
If you can write software, and are so inclined, then you can start coding to address the gaps you see. Otherwise, I don't really see a problem.
I use Windows for diddly; I don't play a lot of games though. I think if you're a hardcore gamer, you're gonna have to keep Windows around for awhile. So that's my opinion on 1 & 2. I use it for scientific/mathematical analyses primarily. For that purpose *nix shames Windows.
With #3, I guess I don't have problems because the code is open. ALSA drivers didn't support my chip until the most recent release. This ALSA code wasn't incorporated into the kernel code until 2.6.20. I've been using ALSA for almost a year though because I was able to add what needed to the kernel code in previous releases. Similarly for the temperature monitor for AMD64 uP (k8temp). It wasn't included in the kernel code until 2.6.19, You can't do that with Windows so if there isn't a driver available you're SOL.
#4, not many...but those are Windows/Mac apps so see #1 and #2. If you need a *nix app you can usually get it free. There's no need to go to the store, the store is connected to your PC any time your PC is connected to the internet. You may have to get used to a new program, but I haven't found any Windows program that I, personally, haven't found an acceptable *nix equivalent.
My two cents...
Last edited by weibullguy; 02-04-2007 at 10:46 PM.
We are all to some degree interested in staying in our "comfort zone". We are used to Windows (or maybe Mac), and have become dependent to some degree on those capabilities.
But what if there were no Windows or Mac? Imagine going back to the likes of an Apple-II, Trash-80, Commodore, Amiga, etc.
Is it possible--RIGHT NOW-- to use Linux exclusively? For easily 80% of the users out there, I think the answer is yes. Maybe short-term you give up some convenience, but it IS possible.
Seriously, none of the items you mention have kept me from doing 90% full time Linux. I enjoy fooling with other stuff and I do not wipe a valid OEM Windows from my computer in spite. I just reduce it's drive space and usage.
Speaking of hardware, game, and application support. How do you like Vista.
I use Windows for diddly; I don't play a lot of games though. I think if you're a hardcore gamer, you're gonna have to keep Windows around for awhile.
That's my primary issue at the moment; aside from gaming, I've found I can be just as productive in a Linux environment.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2damncommon
Speaking of hardware, game, and application support. How do you like Vista.
Vista adds really nothing new. A couple new interface functions, a side bar, a searchable start menu... this can all be done with various goofball shareware applications... the only reason I will be forced to upgrade to Vista in the near future is due to the release of DirectX 10 games.
Like others have said, how is it Linux's problem that it doesn't run Windows apps? Does Windows run Linux apps? All you can do is complain to the vendors.
Distribution: Currently toying with Debian-based MEPIS
Posts: 31
Rep:
Here We Go...
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2damncommon
Speaking of hardware, game, and application support. How do you like Vista.
Don't get people started with this one. Microsoft gets one step closer to world domination with every release. Even more proof of that is they just signed a deal with Novell to team up and develop Linux software (so they say, personally I think they bought Novell, like they did everyone else, and isn't telling anyone). That's why were having so many problems with "full-time" Linux.
For hardware, why not just buy hardware that is guaranteed to work with Linux. There is a very good HCL here at LQ, that shows what works well with Linux.
Also, what's the status of WINE nowadays? Last time I used it was back in the days on RedHat 9 and Mandrake 9.2... has it had any significant improvements since then?
Don't blame linux just because it doesn't work for you
I see a lot of posts where people say "I fed up with windows" or "I'm switching to linux" or something similar, they just jump right in without any clue of linux.
I use linux as my main operating system. I can play
dvds, play all multimedia plugins form firefox and java.
All my hardware works, even my scanner. This did not happen over night, I have used linux since 1999, reading
and studying and experimenting.
Linux is not for everyone. So, if you can't commit to learning linux, then you'll just be a fustrated linux user.
There is no best operating system. Just use what works for you. It's as SIMPLE as that.
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