Switching to Linux

Windows i7 920 · 24 Nov 2010

After getting my hands on a few Linux distros and putting them into VMs, I have realized that almost everything I do in Windows can be done just as easily, if not easier in Linux. IMO installing things like Flash Player is easier in Debian than in Windows. I also find the update system a lot friendlier. I'll just use Windows as a gaming system mainly. Windows will be like an Xbox. Then I can also keep my more serious stuff separate from my gaming/fooling around stuff.

polarbear · 24 Nov 2010

Hi 920, Been using it for a while now and must add it has been great. More to it than Windows for the basic user but fun to play. Looking forward to trying a few projects when on vacation in another week.. GL :) Will also add now that I think of it, that the only item to play with now is my dialup modem as everything else is running perfect. :)

pparks1 · 24 Nov 2010

It's always great to have options. Not to mention, when you own multiple computers and want a decent OS on all of them...Windows can get very expensive.

I've found that Linux has gotten much easier as of late. And if you are using a desktop computer with a wired NIC (versus a laptop with a Windows only wifi chipset), they are usually 100% functional right out of the box. I typically use CentOS for my servers (just like Red Hat Enterprise Linux...just without the cost) and I use Ubuntu for desktops.

Like you, I keep both Windows machines for some things and Linux for other things. I wouldn't want to be without either one permanently.

Dinesh · 25 Nov 2010

I recommend LinuxMint for beginners.

racie · 25 Nov 2010

I dual-boot Windows 7 with Ubuntu. :)

Though some of the hardware and software I use isn't compatible with Ubuntu.

johnwillyums · 25 Nov 2010

Dinesh said:

I recommend LinuxMint for beginners.

I'm with Dinesh. Not just for beginners but certainly does everything straight out of the box.
I just upgraded. to Linux Mint 10 and their strap line is right-elegance is the word that springs to mind. It just looks fantastic.:)

PS. I'm dual booting as well. Recommend it. You only need a tiny partition for Linux as you can store everything in your windows install.

smarteyeball · 25 Nov 2010

Windows i7 920 said:

. IMO installing things like Flash Player is easier in Debian than in Windows.

umm, double click on the installer, tick check box then click install is difficult?

StalkeR · 25 Nov 2010

I have dual boot with Ubuntu 10.10,it's great. Good choise to go on linux,Windows i7 920

bigseb · 25 Nov 2010

I, too, use LInux. Currently on Maverick x64 which is unbeatable imo. Still have to use Windows for some gaming and for work though.

Incidentally there are some really great fps and rts games out there for linux. Most you have to pay for though so you may not necessarily find them in Synaptic or even the software centre.

Windows i7 920 · 25 Nov 2010

smarteyeball said:

Windows i7 920 said:

. IMO installing things like Flash Player is easier in Debian than in Windows.

umm, double click on the installer, tick check box then click install is difficult?

No. I was just saying. In Ubuntu, I just clicked a link and the installer started. I was just giving an example.

Also, Cube 2: Sauerbraten, and Minecraft are must haves for Linux IMO.