Why Linux?

I’ve recently moved from using Windows XP to FC4, and have a few questions.

What are the benefits of using Linux for somebody who doesn’t have a general interest in programming? Cost was a consideration for me, I made the switch from using an OS which I acquired and used illegally as a result of not having the funds to purchase the necessary licenses.

In my near week of using Linux, my problems have been few... My real issue is lack of compatibility with hardware and software. My video card was automatically detected and natural Linux drivers were used, was incredibly easy... However these drivers aren’t as recent as they could be because the manufacturer of the Video Card does not supply the drivers for Linux users. My sound card needed a fair amount of fiddling, wasn’t a large hassle.. My network card has been a great hassle and an issue which is yet to be solved.

My largest thing, thus far, is the non-compatibility of my software for my hardware and for other things, eg games...

Anyhow, I may need reassurance and support to stick with Linux and so far you guys have been really helpful so... I’ll leave this with you for the meantime and see how you all respond.

Three years ago, I have asked myself the same questions.
At that time I am even poorer than you.
My soundcard wasn't detected as well as my modem and my usb driver.
But by the time, linux eventually prove that it can replace windows.
Firstly, the later version the better hardware compatible, all of my hardware work fine now.
Secondly, there is neither virus nor spyware nor adware nor keylooger threaten you. Since I remove windows, I don't need to worry about some thing like update virus database.
Thirdly, Linux is more stable, I haven't seen "the blue screen of death", which I encouter every month while I am using windows, for three years using linux.

About your complain:
It is fact that any OS have postive and negative aspect.
If you appericate game more than anything, linux is not a good choice.
But if you want a cheap, stable, beautiful, safe system, let follow us and kick windows away.

Gaming isn't a large deal for me... What moreso is my concern is getting all of my hardware working properly and on new drivers as to prevent issues.

How do you mean your software won't run on the hardware, Windows compatable software won't run on Linux? Well that isn't going to change, the only way to run Windows software on Linux is either through an emulator or Wine or one of its variants. It is better and more preferable to find a opensource equivalent, or at least software from a company that produces Linux binaries

What is your ethernet card by the way. Just saying it doesn't work isn't enough for most people to think of a solution to the problem. Check your ethernet card through the hcl list on this site, that will give you an indication of how much success you can expect with it.

The benefits of using Linux depend on the user, in your case its because it is cheaper. For me, well I'm at a point where I have learned enough about Linux to realise that I can configure and maintain Linux as easily, (more easily in a lot of cases) than Windows, don't get me wrong - I still have a lot left to learn. Also its cheaper, I can leave it running for days/weeks/months and hopefully years without it crashing. I can use it remotely via ssh. And as well as being my personal desktop I can also run mail and web servers off of it. Well there a lot more but you get the idea.

Using Linux isn't a good choice when you have to use 10 specialised proprietary software packages that only run on Windows to do your daily work.

Moved to linux about 10 months ago. Don't expect linux to be a "replacement" for Windows. Remember, MS had the benefit of BILLIONS of the public dollars to refine and release software that should have been "perfected" AT MS's OWN EXPENSE LONG BEFORE they released it to us.

Even though it's rare, you still have to look on the box of WHATEVER hardware you are buying to make sure it isn't for MAC, right? Well, you have to spend some time researching compatibility in linux BEFORE you just "fire up" that new printer.

I have some issues with linux, but even more with MS. I can tell you that I have installed Mandrake on 7 different PC's built by myself, all with differing hardware and MDV had built in drivers for all the hdwr except three items.

1. one winmodem
2. Canon C555 printer
3. 3d accel. for a SiS video card (although) the built in vesa drivers work fine.

Wxp, W2000, Wme DID NOT have drivers for more than HALF of the hdwr in these PC/printer combos.

If you decide to continue with linux, be prepared to accept the fact that as a user, you are in the process of experiencing the growth and eventual maturity of linux. Someone has to take the brunt of the learning curve.

resist the urge to BLOW THRU distros to find the "right" one . Pick one and stick with it for at least 6 months.

good luck

... Ahmed posted my card issues on my behalf in the Wireless Networking forum, I wasn't expecting help with that, here.

Never the less... I hope somebody would actually reply to that particular thread.

Why Linux , make me laff like hell
for me its started fully use of linux was last year end when i refuse to repair boss winme, i cant stand with him 1 month 2 time his winme got trojan in , so i install fully working and nice linux interface for him then he happy with that , 6 month his computer not face any problem

but God damn i got problem company grow up and opening branch another country and for this moment this office have 14 desktop computer with fully linux then boss order to ban windows from office

expected i need to install arround 40 unit computer same software and function what currently , half of that will be send to thailand branch office , for your info we are doing international air and sea logistics

our reason to use linux is because we only do documentation ( openoffice) mail / internet and printing so since only this requirement we need to do so that is no reason for company to use win o/s

for accounting we use kmymoney this software can beat UBS Corpration accounting software as i belive made in malaysia

and i am very happy here is the real linux support ,

we helping each other

cheers

ps: is there anyway to make fast install " is clone disk good?"