re: Linux complex?

I'm think you're really don't know about operating systems, beacuse a children from school can win to you (10 years and you can't configure a system like Linux?)
I think Linux is for diferent people
(people that enjoy learning).

PD. sorry, my bad english(to write) (I'm learning)

re: Linux? Why bother.

Bernie, to a certain extent, you are correct. In some ways, Linux isn't the easy-to-use operating system we'd like it to be. Canonical's Ubuntu (www.ubuntu.com) is about as good as it gets at the moment however, the whole issue is a little more complicated than you think.
The whole Linux thing is built on the premise of "open source" as in "freely accessible source code" - it's a great goal but stuff like video card drivers are developed by commercial entities, who aren't interested in releasing their source code for fear of their competitors learning their secrets.
Now we can all take a "leftist" approach and say they should release it anyway (and they would be smart to), but the simple fact is if companies don't turn a profit, they disappear.
Don't read this as "sticking up for the big vendors" because I'm not. I'm just trying to point out you have two camps from opposing philisophical viewpoints and trying to make the two meet in the form of open-source device drivers is never going to be easy.
With Windows, everyone is on the same page - ie. they're all out to make money.

re: Linux? Why bother.

Bernie, if you can spare the time....go and have a good read....of "Linux Online". (The Offical Linux web-site.)
You just might be very surprised....at how many Manufacturers are starting to 'support' Linux.
I just read an article, very recently, of where Linux held a Conference (for those interested in furthering the 'cause' of Linux-based computers.)
And, guess who showed up, hoping to do a bit 'poaching'...of their very own!......in order to either 'woo' some of the very talented Programmers Linux is attracting.....or, 'throw a spanner into the works'.......to undermine Linux's increasing popularity? (Due to it's 'Open Source' capabilities you don't really have to pay for.)
The big M!
Is Linux a 'threat', to big M?
You bet your sweet a..., it is. (Especially with laptops.)
Or, if you do have a very old machine you're considering to throw onto the 'scrap-heap'...

Just wipe it clean, and install Linux.....THAT old computer is 'alive-n-kicking!, once again.

while you're at it, dust off any old DOS books you may have.......to start 're-learning'.....how to configure a computer using DOS 'command-lines'.
Basicall, that's all what Linux is.
(Just different names...for what you may use in Windows.....with different 'extensions' after the . .)
I think the big M holds the 'patents'......on the words they use for Windows.
And, that's the really hard part....for people to 'accept'...or know the 'difference' between the two......to end up having sooo much trouble as they do, with Linux OSs (sorry, distros.)

re: Linux? Why bother.

I can sympathize with you, Bernie.
I have had Linux (Kubuntu) as a 'Dual-Boot', on my computer, for nearly 2 months now, and you know what?!!
I still haven't been able to get my WinFast TV Tuner card to work....in it.
The reason 'why' is like you said.....'you tell them that you are a 'new guy' to Linux.....and, all you get is crappy advice! (that leads absolutely nowhere..or to web-sites that tell you 'everything you need to know'...like you are a 20 year veteran with Linux.)

So much for the 'community spirit' they say Linux runs on! (It's far worse than here.)

To date, I have nothing more than the Linux OS on my 2nd hard-drive.....(all 30 gigs of hard-drive taken up by Linux).....and, I still haven't figured out 'how-to'...to clean away the rubbish.
Let alone install Programs,and get them to work properly.

re: Linux? Why bother.

The average Joe you talk about can't protect a Windows PC from the net, they
cant resist the temptations to click on flashy adds and they cant control others who use their machines,
Give them Linux Mint show them Firefox on the net and they are sold , especially when you tell them they will never have spyware again no matter where they roam on the net.
Give them separate users and tell them one cant effect another, they think its impossible, but they like it.
4 spyware and virus plagued average Joe's in a week, and they may even be
less than average by your subjective criteria.

I have no special training used my first
computer at 40+ and never got Windows cause things just went wrong all the time,
I had difficulties with Linux but not problems, difficulties can be overcome, problems just reoccur.

re: Linux? Why bother.

Because life is meant to be a challenge and if you fall off the horse you get back on it and keep trying till you can ride it.

I've moved between MS and Linux since 1998, having started while still using the cli to start the gui. Sure I've had problems with both OS and I've formatted and reinstalled both many times, but I have finally settled on Linux (Ubuntu 8.04) as it does all that I need to do on a computer now.

Just don't give it, once you learn something you always do it by rote.

Cheers

re: Linux? Why bother.

I with you bernie. Even DOS seems easier to deal with sometimes. Evertime I attempt to setup a linux system, I find another reason why I continue to enjoy the windows environment.

re: Linux? Why bother.

For one and only one reason its for
FREE ..... I live in a third world country .. and I can't afford to pay
for Microsoft products ... so
its LINUX all the way and forever
Cheers

re: Linux? Why bother.

Have you tried Ubuntu 8.04 yet though? It's a lot easier than previous versions of Linux.

And Linux is probably hard only because noone uses it and support isn't as good, and those that switch over are used to Windows.

Operating Systems are like eating healthier. It's not just a diet, it's a lifestyle.