Are there advantages of Linux over XP Pro.?

[Dan]

I was just wondering about the experiences that people have had using Linux.
I currently dual-boot with two hard drives 98SE (Fat32) and XP Pro. (NTFS)
and was considering trying out Linux too. Can people give me some advice
about Linux and its usefulness. Thanks in advance.

 

[Leythos]

I was just wondering about the experiences that people have had using Linux.
I currently dual-boot with two hard drives 98SE (Fat32) and XP Pro. (NTFS)
and was considering trying out Linux too. Can people give me some advice
about Linux and its usefulness. Thanks in advance.

Without a valid means to contact you, posting without any identity (even
a munged sig would do) you are going to be seen as a Troll even if
you're sincere.

Try adding a sig with a real email address if you want to have a serious
discussion about this topic. I'm currently reviewing Mandrake, Suse, and
Fedora Core 3 for systems that I would normally install XP or 2003 on.

 

[Frank]

I was just wondering about the experiences that people have had using Linux.
I currently dual-boot with two hard drives 98SE (Fat32) and XP Pro. (NTFS)
and was considering trying out Linux too. Can people give me some advice
about Linux and its usefulness. Thanks in advance.

Initially Linux is a fun hobby but it quickly turns into a non-paying
all consuming job!
Frank

 

[Vagabond Software]

I was just wondering about the experiences that people have had using Linux.
I currently dual-boot with two hard drives 98SE (Fat32) and XP Pro. (NTFS)
and was considering trying out Linux too. Can people give me some advice
about Linux and its usefulness. Thanks in advance.

As you would expect, there are advantages... and disadvantages. I don't run typical Linux configurations, so I'm probably not the one to talk to about advantages and disadvantages.

However, I can talk about similarities. Neither of them are "Set it and Forget it" operating systems. You have to get under the hood to some degree in both if you want to know what is going on and make sure your system is secure. You have to keep both of them patched and up-to-date because both have known and unknown vulnerabilities in the most current version.

Other than that, I say have fun! Learning Linux can be fun, frustrating, and rewarding. I use Debian because of the level of control I have over every file and function on my system, but I haven't run a GUI on my main Linux box since the KDE2 Beta...

Which reminds me of another similarity between Windows and Linux, the Beta software for both is really really really BAD!

carl

 

[Rush]

I was just wondering about the experiences that people have had using Linux.
I currently dual-boot with two hard drives 98SE (Fat32) and XP Pro. (NTFS)
and was considering trying out Linux too. Can people give me some advice
about Linux and its usefulness. Thanks in advance.

I believe using the word 'advantages' poses a pretty subjective question.
I would depend on what you are looking to do. I'm a fan of XP and Linux
(Fedora / Redhat) but lean more towards Linux and use it more often.
Though I believe that each OS has it's advantages.

The reason I enjoy Linux is the open source applications, security, speed,
stability. Before, I even get flamed for that, Windows XP is a great
improvement over past Microsoft operating systems. It's stability over
previous OSes surprised me, but the security is still lacking. Open source
is a big plus in the 'Linux World'. A program that might cost $400 for
Windows, I use for free in Linux. This is not to say the reverse is not
true, there just tends to be more open source programs and better
development for Linux.

I would recommend getting a free live Linux CD and messing around with it.
Here is a description of what that is:
http://www.freesoftwaremagazine.com/free_issues/issue_01/live_cds/

If you are looking for a Linux distro to install and try, my vote would be
for Fedora.

Just my opinion...

Rush
http://www.bythedrop.com

 

[Richard Urban]

Don't they shoot trolls?

And yes, I am experimenting with Fedora CORE 3. But this is NOT the place
for your question!

Try a Linux News Group for your question. )-:

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[GO]

Why isn't this the proper place? It would be best to post in both groups to
get the best possible responses. And it is partially an XP questions. From
my personal experience he would probably get better replies here as I find
the Windows community to be much more sharing, especially for newbies.
Linux people just don't seem to want to help unless you already know what
you're doing (I realize this is a broad statement and am hoping it is not as
true as it used to be but when I dabbled in Linux in the past I gained no
real help from forums/newsgroups).

As far as I'm concerned Linux is still not ready to be a desktop OS,
although it is getting closer. Linux is inherantly more secure but it is
not as secure as the Linux people lead you to believe, there are still "open
doors" that need to be closed and occasional patches to be installed.

 

[Bill James]

Sort of like asking if there are advantages of a diesel engine car over a gas engine car. It really depends on what your usage is and what you want to do. Learning to find your way around on Linux can be a worthwhile exercise even if you decide not to use it on regular basis. You can also download an burn a Linux disto that will run entirely from CD, perhaps more practical than installing if you are just wanting to see what Linux is like. Check out http://www.knoppix.net/.

--

Bill James
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User

Windows VBScript Utilities » www.billsway.com/vbspage/
Windows Tweaks & Tips » www.billsway.com/notes_public/

 

[Andrew]

(e-mail address removed)
says...

Without a valid means to contact you, posting without any
identity (even
a munged sig would do) you are going to be seen as a Troll even
if
you're sincere.

Then you shouldn't read newsgroups, as 99% of the people don't post
their real email addy. Besides that, what secret would you tell him
privately that would not benefit all of us?

 

[Leythos]

Then you shouldn't read newsgroups, as 99% of the people don't post
their real email addy. Besides that, what secret would you tell him
privately that would not benefit all of us?

I would not tell him any secrets - but, having no valid means of
contact, and asking certain types of questions in a group, is a good
sign of a Troll. While many of the newer users of Usenet (since the
90's) don't have a clue about Usenet or how to post, it's always been
desirable to have a means to contact the author - a munged sig link is
the best method since few bots can extract the proper parts.

I don't actually send email to people that post on Usenet, but I do look
to see if they, when posting certain types of questions in select group,
pass the initial troll test.

The question posted by the OP is one that generally starts a slew of
trolled posts/responses. If they provide any real means to contact them
(even munged) it adds some level of credibility to their question/post.

When you've been on Usenet long enough you'll see these tell-tale signs
too.

 

[Mike Hall]

Subscribe to Linux newsgroups.. you will get a good idea of the problems
that Linux users face.. my own opinion is that Linux makes for a good server
OS, and where a computer is running specific tasks.. e.g processing
Geotechnical data.. it enables companies to use 'pc' servers to do jobs that
maybe don't require hugely expensive RISC systems.. X86 architecture is way
cheaper..

In commerce, computers running Unix and Unix-based OSes are not expected to
run games, print holiday snaps, type a letter, edit home movies, control the
family washing machine, or broadcast happy smiling faces via webcam to
relatives across the other side of the world..

For the home user who wants a GUI, multiplicity of drivers, compatibility
with almost anything, Windows is the way to go.. Linux started off all nice
and compact, but is starting to get 'heavy' as more people are made aware of
cheap open source operating systems, but still want the 'Windows' feel..
eventually, Linux will be everything that Windows is, good and bad..

You also have a choice of Linux versions.. good luck in picking the right
one for you..

oO .. waits expectantly for the tirades from Linux lovers..

 

[Raymond J. Johnson Jr.]

I would not tell him any secrets - but, having no valid means of
contact, and asking certain types of questions in a group, is a good
sign of a Troll. While many of the newer users of Usenet (since the
90's) don't have a clue about Usenet or how to post, it's always been
desirable to have a means to contact the author - a munged sig link is
the best method since few bots can extract the proper parts.

It's always been desirable to whom?? You? Why should anyone care? "Few
bots can extract the proper parts"? So that means that *some* can?

I don't actually send email to people that post on Usenet, but I do look
to see if they, when posting certain types of questions in select group,
pass the initial troll test.

And if they don't, you respond with crap like this? That'll teach 'em!

The question posted by the OP is one that generally starts a slew of
trolled posts/responses. If they provide any real means to contact them
(even munged) it adds some level of credibility to their question/post.

So if you suspect a troll, the best thing to do is ignore the post and
move on. When you've been on Usenet long enough, maybe you'll learn. Or
perhaps not.

When you've been on Usenet long enough you'll see these tell-tale signs
too.

I think there are more control-freak a$$holes than there are trolls.

 

[Leythos]

So if you suspect a troll, the best thing to do is ignore the post and
move on. When you've been on Usenet long enough, maybe you'll learn. Or
perhaps not.

Actually, since I snipped the rude stuff out of your reply, you might
understand that people troll the groups, even the reverse trollers. When
someone posts a question like the OP did, if there is a means to
validate them it's not very likely to be a trolling. I was giving the OP
the chance to let us know if they were trolling or not - was not rude
(like you), but you could learn a lot in the area of tact.

 

[Richard Urban]

The OP doesn't want to compare Linux with Windows XP, or any flavor of
Windows. He just wants to know about Linux.

This is not the place to ask that question.

HE IS A TROLL!

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[David Candy]

Why? Do you want to be an expert on nothing. Stick to one OS.

 

[Dan]

Thanks Frank and I now know why I dislike this group with all the negative
responses. Heads for the door and back to 98 newsgroup where people actually
respect you for who you are.

: Dan wrote:
: > I was just wondering about the experiences that people have had using
Linux.
: > I currently dual-boot with two hard drives 98SE (Fat32) and XP Pro.
(NTFS)
: > and was considering trying out Linux too. Can people give me some advice
: > about Linux and its usefulness. Thanks in advance.
: >
: >
: Initially Linux is a fun hobby but it quickly turns into a non-paying
: all consuming job!
: Frank

 

[Dan]

Thanks, Rush.

: On Sun, 23 Jan 2005 08:46:06 -0700, Dan wrote:
:
: > I was just wondering about the experiences that people have had using
Linux.
: > I currently dual-boot with two hard drives 98SE (Fat32) and XP Pro.
(NTFS)
: > and was considering trying out Linux too. Can people give me some advice
: > about Linux and its usefulness. Thanks in advance.
:
: I believe using the word 'advantages' poses a pretty subjective question.
: I would depend on what you are looking to do. I'm a fan of XP and Linux
: (Fedora / Redhat) but lean more towards Linux and use it more often.
: Though I believe that each OS has it's advantages.
:
: The reason I enjoy Linux is the open source applications, security, speed,
: stability. Before, I even get flamed for that, Windows XP is a great
: improvement over past Microsoft operating systems. It's stability over
: previous OSes surprised me, but the security is still lacking. Open source
: is a big plus in the 'Linux World'. A program that might cost $400 for
: Windows, I use for free in Linux. This is not to say the reverse is not
: true, there just tends to be more open source programs and better
: development for Linux.
:
: I would recommend getting a free live Linux CD and messing around with it.
: Here is a description of what that is:
: http://www.freesoftwaremagazine.com/free_issues/issue_01/live_cds/
:
: If you are looking for a Linux distro to install and try, my vote would be
: for Fedora.
:
: Just my opinion...
:
: Rush
: http://www.bythedrop.com
:
:
:
:
:

 

[Dan]

Finally a MVP responds who is at least polite unlike Richard.

Sort of like asking if there are advantages of a diesel engine car over a gas
engine car. It really depends on what your usage is and what you want to do.
Learning to find your way around on Linux can be a worthwhile exercise even
if you decide not to use it on regular basis. You can also download an burn
a Linux disto that will run entirely from CD, perhaps more practical than
installing if you are just wanting to see what Linux is like. Check out
http://www.knoppix.net/.

--

Bill James
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User

Windows VBScript Utilities » www.billsway.com/vbspage/
Windows Tweaks & Tips » www.billsway.com/notes_public/

 

[Leythos]

Finally a MVP responds who is at least polite unlike Richard.

How long have you been using Usenet?

Have you never seen a troll?

When I posted it was to determine, in a polite manner, if the OP was a
troll or not - many trolls hide their identity so that they can continue
a thread and/or post under different names. Trolls almost never provide
any means to contact them via email. Now, I'm not suggesting that the OP
was a troll, but, when you walk into a windows group asking about Linux,
without any valid identity, it makes the long-time Usenet users wonder -
the same would be true if asking about Windows in a Linux group.

I agree that here is no reason to be rule to the initial trolling post
in case it's not really a trolling, and in fact, even if they are
trolling there is no reason to be rude, it can be handled in a mature
manner at all times.

 

[Dan]

Thank you, I am not a troll and have been a user of the 98 general newsgroup
with Gary S. Terhune, MVP for a long time. I am much more wary of this group
because overall I find that some people are just plain mean in this group
unlike the 98 general newsgroup where courtesy rules.

: In article <O#[email protected]>, (e-mail address removed)
: says...
: > Finally a MVP responds who is at least polite unlike Richard.
:
: How long have you been using Usenet?
:
: Have you never seen a troll?
:
: When I posted it was to determine, in a polite manner, if the OP was a
: troll or not - many trolls hide their identity so that they can continue
: a thread and/or post under different names. Trolls almost never provide
: any means to contact them via email. Now, I'm not suggesting that the OP
: was a troll, but, when you walk into a windows group asking about Linux,
: without any valid identity, it makes the long-time Usenet users wonder -
: the same would be true if asking about Windows in a Linux group.
:
: I agree that here is no reason to be rule to the initial trolling post
: in case it's not really a trolling, and in fact, even if they are
: trolling there is no reason to be rude, it can be handled in a mature
: manner at all times.
:
: --
: --
: (e-mail address removed)
: (Remove 999 to reply to me)