Hello to the Linux community! I have been using Linux for barely a full week now, and I've gotta say that it's been an interesting experience. I started w/PCLinuxOS2007, and it's been my mainstay.

I've also experimented w/Ubuntu, Kubuntu, just installed openSUSE 10.2, and I'm even thinking about experimenting with Ark Linux.

Although I've deleted my former Windows partition, this was quite by accident, due to user error on my part. But you know what? I'm glad that it happened. I haven't missed it, and in the rare times when I use my wife's computer (WinXP), I tend to get more frustrated than productive.

I'm a newbie/geek wannabe. I have no practical programming experience, and I'm used to using GUI's as my defacto standard. But, I have been known to open a terminal (not command line) every so often, though I've had mixed results. Still, I'm open to learning, and I thorougly enjoy tinkering. Think of me as an impromtptu shade tree mechanic.

Anyway... Just wanted to say hello.

Wow! You are up and running fast!

What kind of computer do you have?

Hi and welcome to LQ

Actually, I have two computers. Both are very old (my desktop is almost seven years old).

To answer your question in detail:

My desktop is a Compaq5421SR
Proc: Intel P4 (no hyper-threading) 1.6 gHz
RAM: 640 MB SDRAM
HDD: Western Digital 80GB 7200 RPM/2 MB buffer

My notebook
DEll Latitude C600 (older than the hills)
Proc: P3 750 mHz w/Speed Step (can go down to 550)
RAM: 256 MB SDRAM
HD: 9.5 GB 5400 RPM(?)/buffer and mfg unknow

What impressed me most, was that PCLOS 07 runs smoothly on my notebook. There have been a few unexplainable freezeups, but I think that this is due to problems with the hardware.

But my secret weapon: sheer stubborness and excessive curiosity. I'm the guy who sees the little red button and probably presses it before I see the sign that says "do not press this button".

Hello to Xavier. Thanks for the welcome.

Welcome to LQ. I myself has had Windows wreck itself by accident (Been wrecked since June 20 2007) and have not missed it a bit.

Yeah. I know how you feel. I'd say that with Windows, I was having to reformat or restore my computer about every three months. Sitting through 2 hours of installations gets kind of old. That's what I loved about PCLinux... up and running in twenty minutes.

Indeed.

These are qualities I admire in people, because it means they can get sh!t done...all too often we see the passer-by that gripes that Linux doesn't do EXACTLY what Windows does...I don't understand the logic behind it, but it happens all the time.

(Coincidentally, if someone wants an OS to do exactly what Windows does, why are they looking for an alternative?)

Just my thoughts...

I understand how you feel. I gotta admit that I had similar perceptions when I introduced myself to Linux. But as I read more and more, I've come to understand what Linux is really about. Of course, I also exposed myself to Windows ports of open source apps long before I came to Linux. OpenOffice, and Firefox to name a couple. I really like seeing those apps in the current distros, even if they seem to have some controversy surrounding them.

On the other hand, I'm also glad to see that more of the Linux community is making efforts to embrace former Windows users. Transitioning to something this complex can be daunting. I still have moments of befuddlement, but as I said, I'm stubborn. But more importantly, I'm curious.

You know, I started to download WINE, but now I can't see the point. I'm sure that WINE is great and all, and I'm glad it's an option. But for me, it was all about weaning myself from Windows. So for me, WINE would be a contradiction in terms.

Either way, I don't miss Windows. Glad to be a part of the Linux community.