Since my post in a few months ago about who is linux really for I have received a lot of replies and a lot of help. I have really explored linux for a while and have come to the conclusion that linux is not for me !
It takes to much time to solve even the smallest problem and then it might not work right, secondly I want my computer to help me not the other way around. Third(ly) I need to put my time into better things than re-inventing MS windows, I will let bill gates do that and I will just be lazy and use my computer for what it is really good for and not worry about M$.
Thanks for all the help from everyone and I will still read about whats happening but I think my computer works fine with out linux now
Clarence the Goosehunter

Considering that linux started as a project set to be larger and more useable then minix (actually started on the minix mailing list), its absolutly great for people who can put up the time to play around with it. Its probably more aimed at people who need more functionality then windows can offer, but of course as somthing becomes user friendly you loose the amount it can be customised. It may take a while to set up your system, and learn the qerks, but unlike windows its somthing that you will only need to do once.

There is nothing wrong with not wanting to use linux, no operating system can do everything. Its directed at certain people and those people tend to love it

Yes linjux is very good for corporations that have their own programers and deveop their own software, It is also very good for a second oprating system (pne trhat dosn't crash every time you do some thing wrong or load a program that is not quite compatable!
But I thing that until some one makes a system (like M$) the makes it easy for the average user to get software and use it without having to re-invent the wheel I cant see that I will ever be a system that will be sold or included with every new computer, I am completly dis-satisified with SUSE (Novel) as they don't or can't ever answer a question or problem and help make it work, As a hearing inpaired person I have a problem hearing and understanding what the technnician is saying.
OH Well enough

If you are happy with Windows why change in the first place? Both operating systems are aimed at entirely different markets, if Windows works best for you then there's no reason to change.

And if you have the resources to run mc affee and norton av/firewall, zone alarm, spybot and ad-aware at the same time.... why not?

Linux has made me worry like hell some time ago.. I've been searching thru the forums, spending sleepless nights sometimes, and really wished to kick my PC a few times..

after a week of struggling and attempting, I started to see some things that didn't happen while I was in Windows.. Many things had gone away.. such as: spyware, viruses, system crashes, the disguised and hidden source codes, the dreadful sensation of "expensiveness".. linux is something you reinvent and make it suitable for yourself whenever u want..

I agree.. Linux takes a lot of time indeed..
You're not obliged to spend your time in an OS you don't feel comfortable..
But my comfort's come with a little effort.. Good luck, and I hope M$'s prices decrease..

LoL, nice.

I run several Windows machines but I just wanted to experiment with a Linux box. It does take a lot of time. I spent the larger part of the last two days trying to set up a webserver. However, I did enjoy it. During that time I learned TONS about the operating system and how it works. If you're into self education and computers then you'll probably like linux.

Ahh, but the more you learn, the less time it takes to solve problems!

I felt the same as goosehunter in till I found the right distribution for me. I wanted a operating system to be like Windows I didn't want to spend all my time tinkering with it. I don't know how but I stumbled across Mepis. In less than a week I had it fully operational. It is maybe not the most powerful Linux version but it is by far much better than Windows. All that is good about Linux none of whats bad about Windows. While maintaining ease of use. Is Linux more difficult than Windows? !NO! it is just different. I have been using it maybe 2 months AND I am the newb of all newbs. Is Linux a pain in the butt, sometimes but not as often as windows, and when you fix Linux it is fixed for good. I also don't have to worry about virus's and spyware. Primarly spyware; I absolutely hate it.

Linux for me was starting over, almost like I had never used a computer before, not quite that drastic but close. A little persevearance and determination was all it took. I started off dual booting my 120gb harddrive at 80% windows and 20% Linux then went to 50/50 and now am at 80/20 in favor of Linux.

I for one choose freedom. The freedom from TCPA, the freedom from big brother, the freedom from 160 thousand virus's, the freedom from computer killing Spy Ware/Ad ware. I will never go back, never look back.

This may sound imature coming from a 30 year old man but now that I have seen the green green grass of the Linux pasture. I can say Microsoft --Suck IT--

Kezz

Perhaps this should be taken into account by all the "nice" people" here saying things like "if you like spyware, addware..

stick with Windows." Not a very good attitude IMO.

I didn't notice actually. Even considering that, I've never called a technician...not because I'm a genius and can solve everything (I'm not) but because with the wealth of information and support on the internet and in books, I've never needed to call a technician.

Moved: This thread is more suitable in General, and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

Heh - Mara beat me to it ;)

Personally I find Linux to be very boring as everything works great and there's nothing to fix or troubleshoot. It wasn't always that way of course, I've been using Linux a long time.

But that said, Linux really isn't for everyone. I'm never really sure of a person's motivation when they post a thread like this. Sometimes it's a frustration thread, sometimes it a M$ fanboy thread just stirring trouble, and sometimes it's just an honest "thank you for all the help but I give up" thread.

Somehow I get the feeling from the way it is worded and the general "feel" of it that it's a combination of the first and last.

I can understand the frustration in trying to deal with a new and foreign OS after years of working with windoze. It's very different and there is a great deal to learn before less time is spent on trying to figure things out. It does come with time and learning though.

I can also understand that some people are just not able or interested in investing the time and energy needed to learn the skills needed to work with a new OS. That's ok. I might have felt the same way 10 years ago if circumstances had been different.

If Linux isn't for you, then it isn't for you. That doesn't make Linux bad, it just isn't the right fit for you.

I'm glad that you at least gave it a try and are honest and gracious enough to acknowledge the assistance given and to state why Linux isn't for you in a rational manner.

I wish you all the best.

I, just like masonm, found linux to be boring too. Everything always worked straight away for me with a few exceptions. The newer distributions has nothing to be fixed. Slackware 10.1 has to be the most boring of them all I've tried. 9.1 gave me a few problems with alsa, but 10.1 is absolutely boring: Joypad, sound card, PDA, scanner, printer, 3D acceleration... everything just works.

I am thinking about installing Win95 without any protection with IE as browser only, that would be quite of a challenge today on and off-line I guess