Computers Discussions

Linux was lauded as "the" replacement for Windows has ended up confined to a nitch market much like it's big brother UNIX.  The problem is very few end-user programs are written for Linux thus making it a more viable replacement for Windows.  The OS, like UNIX and Windows XP Professional, is very stable, but it is not yet ready for prime time. You could install it on a computer, but then what would you run on it save a few browser programs, and Sun's office application?

Vincent

I've done this on a number of machines with success. It is very important to check the hardware compatability of a linux rev before doing this, however -- there are fewer drivers available.

I like OpenOffice and use that for office-type applications. The fingerprint isn't large but the output is quite good. 

I would stick with the better known Linux versions if you are not familiar with it. There are some good video intros on YouTube. Ubuntu, Fedora, PCLinux, LinuxMint are options. PuppyLinux if it is an older, slower machine.

Linux is great for older and slower pcs. Especially since Windows constantly requires updates. My husband installed a small version of Linux on my sister's pc. Now she can get online again.

TheBard said…

Linux was lauded as "the" replacement for Windows has ended up confined to a nitch market much like it's big brother UNIX.  The problem is very few end-user programs are written for Linux thus making it a more viable replacement for Windows.  The OS, like UNIX and Windows XP Professional, is very stable, but it is not yet ready for prime time. You could install it on a computer, but then what would you run on it save a few browser programs, and Sun's office application?

Vincent

---

I agree.  Yes, it's small, compact and fast.  It's not a bad choice for a Netbook or an older computer where its primary use's will be web-surfing or word processing.  While it makes a definite anti-Microsoft statement you sacrifice a lot to make that statement.

I have a emachine and I run Windows xp, I havn't ever tried to run Linux on mine. How is it /

Wow, obviously Bard has drank deeply of the MS KoolAid, because NOBODY compares Windows stability to Unix - at least not favorably. XP may be the most stable version of Windows, but it still BSOD's from time to time, I have NEVER seen Unix, nor for that matter Linux, throw up its equivalent. As far as number of applications available, a couple of browsers huh? Lets see, my package manager says there are just under 25,000 packages available to me to install. Admittedly that includes libraries and documentation for the actual programs, and certainly there are many duplicates (I mean how many different text editors do you need ;-) but that still amounts to several thousand individual applications that someone has taken the time to compile and package for easy installation. There are thousands more on Freshmeat.net and other places, that I can compile and install myself! And the kicker is, they are all free software. Also, I don't know just what Rudixeno thinks I have sacrificed to make a statement (which is not why I run Linux, but that's an even longer rant!) I have used Linux exclusivly for about 13 years, and I have never heard of someone doing a recreational computer activity on windows, that I can not also enjoy. Name something I can't do on Linux that you can in Windows. There may be specific programs that are not available (Word, XL, ect.) but even in the world of games, I can't think of a category of application I don't have access to.

 

Cheap B.

Yes Linux is stable, open-market and beloved, but ready for the SOHO arena it is not!  I would never feel comfortable, and frankly I would lose the majority of my customer-base, if I steered them toward Linux. 

Yes, there are Open Source applications available, but where do you turn when said applications fail and your business depends on said application?  Downtime equals lost revenue!  My small business clients need applications that are backed by proven support networks. 

Linux is not yet ready for prime-time, meaning the SOHO or home market.  It is a niche OS nothing more.  As for the stability of Microsoft Network Operating System's (NOS's), I have run (and run now) NOC's (Network Operating Centers) with up to 200 server all running Microsoft NOS's and not one server ever failed because the NOS hiccupped, or blue screened.  Windows 2003 Server s a very, very stable NOS and I would hold it up against Linux any day. 

Vincent a.k.a. ~The Bard~   

And now to answer the actual question, instead of countering the FUD in previous answers. Linux being better on old hardware is something of a myth. I think you will find any modern Linux distro is just as much a slug on old hardware as XP (or 2000). Especially if you are trying to use it in an interactive manner, i.e. browsing the web, editing a manuscript, viewing video or pictures, or even just something like file management. Recent versions of Linux are just as bloated with eye candy as Windows (even more-so if you like to run compiz!) Fading menus, animated window resizing, all that is available, and just like windows it can be turned off as well. Linux IS more efficient with resources, but once you can get up and get a cup of coffee before your web browser starts, its not really noticablely worse if you could also have added cream and sugar, and said good morning to the wife right! Interaction needs to be very fast in order that your thought process is not interrupted. What is really meant by running it on old hardware is installing without the graphical interface, and using it as a server of some kind. I had until last year been running a pentium 233 (92MB of salvaged ram) as a firewall to all my computers, proxy server for my browser, and file server for my music. I could also have installed torrent software and left that to d/l torrents un-attended, ftp server to make files available, web server, private IM server for family only (or public, but that's just not how I roll ;-) All of these were run at the same time, the computer was left on 24/7 for months at a time, and all interaction was through an ssh login shell when needed - in otherwords, no interactive GUI. Just try that with anything from MS, you might get 98 to install, but that's about it, and that is a security nightmere.

B. You're the only one that can judge your customer base obviously, but I think you are underestimating the power available vs the COST. If you are putting them on 2003 server that is not an inconsequential price, it is also not the kind of thing a SOHO can usually admin without help (at least comfortably) That adds up. You are conflating two situations though. If you have the infrastructure to admin 200 servers, you have the resources available to address application failures. That is obviously not a SOHO. If you sell a one man operation (HO) 2003 server to handle his file storage needs, can you honestly say you have provided the "best" solution? Or have you provided the solution you know how to support? I have no doubt you would loose many customers if you steered them to Linux, you are not a Linux admin. They would be crazy to keep you on. That does not make Linux a sub-optimal solution. BTW, what "niche" are you thinking Linux is for? Also, have any of your clients lost time/data/money because someone got infected with a virus? I don't care there are anti-virus programs (more cost), best practices (user involvement required) and the like, people still get infected. You know how many Virii are written for Linux... 0. THAT is one of the biggest reasons I run Linux. And it does not matter that its only because of the large windows installed base (a myth BTW, Linux is inherently more difficult to infect/cause havoc on) do you think 10, or 100 or even 1000 more computers running Linux is going to cause someone to write a virus for Linux? I don't think so, even if they could.

BTW, as far as addressing application failure... what the hell do you think YOUR job is, just running the install programs?? I really don't recall a time when buisiness ground to a halt due to a malfunctioning program, do you? FUD. (and if you do, that would obviously be a Windows program... right) Also, are you sure you want to put up the windows software worlds bug killing efforts against the Open source ecosystem?? I am quite confident you would be badly embarrassed.