Liking ubuntu linux - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

jamesqf · 02-16-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcb

Well, until you learn all the commands for every possible action in every possible program, a GUI is a real nice to have.

I disagree, because instead of learning/looking up commands, you have to figure out the meaning of some "intuitive" icon, thereby replacing a tedious task with an impossible one. But of course that's a matter of personal taste. The point I was trying to make is that if someone does prefer a Windows-like GUI, then why don't they just use Windows? Only reason I can think of is that they don't like paying money to Bill Gates.

dcb · 02-16-2009, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Only reason I can think of is that they don't like paying money to Bill Gates.

Seriously? That's the only reason you can think of?

Clev · 02-16-2009, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesqf

I disagree, because instead of learning/looking up commands, you have to figure out the meaning of some "intuitive" icon, thereby replacing a tedious task with an impossible one. But of course that's a matter of personal taste. The point I was trying to make is that if someone does prefer a Windows-like GUI, then why don't they just use Windows? Only reason I can think of is that they don't like paying money to Bill Gates.

I like Linux because it has an easy-to-use GUI interface, and can drop to a shell when I need to do something more complex. Additionally, I can install as little or much as I need. My desktop has a free video player, office suite, games, etc., while my server doesn't need a GUI, so runs in 256MB of RAM (specifically, 144MB used with the web server running, and no swap needed.)

You're turning this into a "hate Bill Gates" argument, which it doesn't have to be. Plus, the "it's not real Linux if it has a GUI" attitude says more about Linux fanatics than it says about Linux.

skyl4rk · 02-16-2009, 11:00 PM

I am a slackware troll and I don't upgrade software until I get a new pc. I might try ubuntu with the next hardware change but will probably revert to slackware.

Doofus McFancypants · 02-17-2009, 07:02 AM

I recently burned Ubuntu disc as well as "Damn Small Linux" to play with.
Mostly as my computer is getting older - Dell P4 H/T with 1GBRam.

I ran it from the Live Disc and was nice. Going to install an older HD and set up dual boot. I would "LIKE" to get into the command line aspect of it - i think i will be happier with the more stable platform and ability to keep my machine running a few years longer.

MazdaMatt · 02-17-2009, 11:14 AM

I tried ubuntu for work on my Inspiron 600m laptop. I was impressed with the live disk and the live disk instant install to hard drive. I was also impressed with the "stock" applications. I then deleted it because it couldn't handle hot swapping from the dock with a second monitor and stand-alone laptop... i do that constantly going from my desk to my lab. It also couldn't read a USB key for some reason on the laptop - it worked on my coworker's desktop fine. I always seem to run into a deal-breaker when i try to go linux. I was a big-time computer geek for most of my life, but i have never been happy with linux as a do-it-all. I chalk it up to bad luck,though, not bad linux.

I may give it a whirl again at home because so i can do some circuit board work... end of summer, maybe.

jamesqf · 02-17-2009, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clev

You're turning this into a "hate Bill Gates" argument, which it doesn't have to be. Plus, the "it's not real Linux if it has a GUI" attitude says more about Linux fanatics than it says about Linux.

I'm not turning it into anything, I'm just stating an opinion, and asking a question. What other reason is there for having not just a GUI, but a GUI that has been intentionally set up to look and act just like Windows, when there are plenty of window managers out there that accomplish the same tasks without being Windows workalikes?

dcb · 02-17-2009, 12:08 PM

swivel chair is no fun, and it isn't windows (or mac OS, or xerox), just a graphical veneer on top of debian linux. Do you own a bunch of MS stock or something?

Clev · 02-17-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesqf

I'm not turning it into anything, I'm just stating an opinion, and asking a question. What other reason is there for having not just a GUI, but a GUI that has been intentionally set up to look and act just like Windows, when there are plenty of window managers out there that accomplish the same tasks without being Windows workalikes?

Ubuntu uses GNOME. It's pretty un-Windowslike. Perhaps you're thinking of Linspire?

Clev · 02-17-2009, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MazdaMatt

I tried ubuntu for work on my Inspiron 600m laptop. I was impressed with the live disk and the live disk instant install to hard drive. I was also impressed with the "stock" applications. I then deleted it because it couldn't handle hot swapping from the dock with a second monitor and stand-alone laptop... i do that constantly going from my desk to my lab. It also couldn't read a USB key for some reason on the laptop - it worked on my coworker's desktop fine. I always seem to run into a deal-breaker when i try to go linux. I was a big-time computer geek for most of my life, but i have never been happy with linux as a do-it-all. I chalk it up to bad luck,though, not bad linux.

I may give it a whirl again at home because so i can do some circuit board work... end of summer, maybe.

Ah, yes, that too. If I use the NVidia driver, it doesn't handle the dock well, but with the standard driver, it docks fine... without the 3D acceleration of course. Fortunately I don't use anything that needs it while on the dock.