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Thread ID: 54706 2005-02-20 00:12:00 Linux Now Easier To Use Than Windows? vinref (6194) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
326573 2005-02-20 00:12:00 New and updated distros such as Xandros, Mandrake, Fedora, SuSE etc, are becoming more and more user-friendly, and are approaching or perhaps have even exceeded the functionality of Windows. At the same time, trying to keep a Windows machine free from malware is getting harder and harder. I have not been a regular Windows user for some years now, and I am genuinely surprised by expert claims (windowssecrets.com) that malware cannot be completely removed.

So is Linux now easier to use than Windows? This is not meant to be an anti-Windows/pro-Linux/pro-Mac flamebait. Genuine comments regarding ease-of-use from dual-booters/recent Linux converts are most welcome.
vinref (6194)
326574 2005-02-20 00:16:00 Meh, I just use Firefox and AVG - never got a virus or any trace of spyware on my system. Being a smart user is all it takes to defeat spyware in my opinion... wintertide (1306)
326575 2005-02-20 00:16:00 Considering I can't get the bloody thing even installed on my SATA RAID configuration to dual boot with Windows, no, I wouldn't say it's easier to use at all. Zygar (29)
326576 2005-02-20 00:31:00 Forgive me,but there's no other word. RUBBISH.
Linux is easy enough to install , but not so software. And if you do install it then comes the problem of drivers. I installed the latest version of SUSE and then could not get modem, printer, scanner to work Mouse worked sometimes.
Even Dos and Windows 3.1 was simple. Took me ,a newbie, about an hour to install. Drivers were simple to install. (Once I found out what they were).
After playing with Mandrake 8 for a month. And then SuSe for about two months I threw the whole lot out.
If anyone ever produces a Linux OS that will install itself and all accessories as Windows Xp does I may try again.
And if Linux is so wonderful , why do so many users feel the need to dual boot with windows????????
Jack
JJJJJ (528)
326577 2005-02-20 01:28:00 And if Linux is so wonderful , why do so many users feel the need to dual boot with windows????????
good point jack :thumbs:

im dual booting linux and xp at the moment, i installed it only because i wanted to see what all the fuss was about, the only thing i need to get around to do is install my internal modem under linux, ill give it another shot another day.....
Prescott (11)
326578 2005-02-20 01:50:00 Horse's for courses
I use both, they both have a place in the world of computing. Also as linux becomes more popular you will proberly find that what annoys windows users ie virus's and spyware etc will also annoy linux users in the future, there are linux virus's out there now.
beama (111)
326579 2005-02-20 02:48:00 I have used Linux for 15 years or so. I don't expect it to be "user friendly". It's an operating system. It enables me to do work on a computer. I don't want it to be "as user-friendly and easy to use as Windows". I want it to work, reliably. I don't want it detecting new hardware or noticing that something is not turned on or not plugged in and complaining about that. I don't mind editing configuration files and telling the OS what is what. I don't like a "registry" which is being changed automatically without my sayso. And all these "friendly" features add to the size. They import bugs. They slow things down.

I do use Windows. Some software I use a lot runs only under Windows. My favourite compiler (Turbo Pascal) produces code to run under DOS, so I use that.
Graham L (2)
326580 2005-02-20 02:52:00 No

I can't even use it for anything useful (Lycoris 1.4, can't get on 'net)

I'll put Ubuntu on the laptop when we get it to see what the fuss is about, but I realy can't see any point for me personally to use Linux or Mac over Windows
Edward (31)
326581 2005-02-20 03:12:00 If not for the massive security flaw built into XP (as in everything is an extension of the OS and what affects IE effects the rest of the comp) I would say its the perfect OS for the home user.

Most people want to start using their computer when they get it home (and all the bundled gadgets) Not spend years learning how to configure the OS, which is just something that you run your programs/apps/games on, and ties together all your hardware.....Not as some view it the start and finish of your computing experience.

The learning curve of Linux is steep and bewildering to most, illogical (as is the file structyure) and removes the focus from what the comp is for.

Granted when everything goes well then your laughing, or if you already know your stuff then its a non-issue, But spending hours pouring over data and impossible to make sence of instructions doesn't help the cause, Especially when your faced with the same delimmas everytime a pice of hardware or software doesn't install or run as expected.

Linux as a home user app is a dead end, we don't need an alternative to XP that is lesser than,uglier, and more difficult, even if the trade off is increased security, We need a worthy replacement, New ideas, The product of original thought.

Especially in a decades times when we just walk in the house, tell the comp to turn the lights on, display tomorrows weather on the plasma screen and boil the jug.
Metla (12)
326582 2005-02-20 03:30:00 Especially in a decades times when we just walk in the house, tell the comp to turn the lights on, display tomorrows weather on the plasma screen and boil the jug.
Yeah with Linux you'll have to recompile your kernel, install some video drivers and type out 10 commands to make it do any of those things.
E|im (87)
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