Re: I am finding this Linux a lot of bother.
From: George Self (gself_at_gself.com)
Date: 12/09/03
- Next message: mjt: "Re: Yahoo"
- Previous message: Frank Kuypers: "Re: Yahoo"
- In reply to: Gearóid Ó Laoi/Garry Lee: "I am finding this Linux a lot of bother."
- Next in thread: Bill Unruh: "Re: I am finding this Linux a lot of bother."
- Reply: Bill Unruh: "Re: I am finding this Linux a lot of bother."
- Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ] [ subject ] [ author ]
Date: Tue, 09 Dec 2003 06:10:02 -0700
Gearóid Ó Laoi/Garry Lee wrote:
> I've been messing with Linux for a couple of weeks.
>
> I've been finding it pretty obscure.
> I haven't worked out how to get it to actually ring my internet number.
> The Help file never loads the first time.
> It has no built-in database programme.
> It does not come with simple basic etc.
> The thing it most lacks is a decent inbuilt tutorial programme.
> I read on this group about all kinds of problems people have.
> Am I getting paranoid?
I teach an Introduction to Operating Systems class at a community college
and as part of the class I introduce students to Linux. The labs we do
involve comparing Windows XP to Linux and DOS. I use RedHat 9.0 for my
Linux OS at school (SUSE at home) and have it boot up with Gnome. At first,
students are surprised to learn there even is an operating system other
than Windows. Then they are surprised to learn that Gnome is as easy to use
as Windows. Honestly, their first good impression is the huge array of
games that come with the system - and I let them just play for a half-hour
or so.
Very soon in their experience I get them into BASH and show them that there
are many ways to do the same job with Linux (copying files, for example,
using Gnome and then BASH). By the end of the term I introduce them to some
of the really powerful tools that either come with Linux or are available
for download, like The GIMP (they really like that) and Octave (for the
math majors).
However, their last requirement for the class is to write a term paper that
compares the three OS in areas like memory management, file management,
etc. In that paper they are to also answer the question "Which operating
system do you prefer, and why?" With very few exceptions students write
that they prefer Windows; and the reason is nearly always a variant of
"Better the devil we know than the angel we don't know."
I've taught all sorts of classes in all sorts of applications areas and HTML
development. It seems true that folks are very uncomfortable with change;
hence it will take a huge motivator to get people off of Windows. Honestly,
though, I'm pretty happy with our little community and am not sure that I
would want a bunch of Windows users flocking to Linux tomorrow - but that's
my personal bias.
I apologize for this lengthy post, but wanted to explain a couple of things
to you as you struggle with Linux.
1. Linux is a professional operating system designed primarily as a
networking OS. It includes tools that make it among the first choices for
people who are creating networking systems. In the Windows world, you would
have to get involved with Windows Server, SQL Server, IIS, or other similar
products to get the same power that comes with Linux. I believe you would
find the Windows Active Directory (with concepts like "forests") to be just
as confusing as some of the issues you've stumbled across in Linux. While
the Linux desktop tools are very good, this is not the primary focus for
this OS and you should not compare it with Windows XP; rather Windows
Server.
2. Like a finely-tuned race car requires a different sort of driver (when
compared to the average tourist), Linux requires a different sort of user.
You must be willing to work with the system and learn how to use it
properly. Get a good Linux book (there are thousands), continue to work
with this newsgroup, and join a local Linux User's group. These sources
will help you get past the places where Linux is different from Windows and
make your experience more enjoyable. I look forward to learning new tricks
on Linux, and I've been using this OS for some time.
3. Be prepared for a change. At first, Linux will seem difficult to use. The
icons on the desktop look different, the menubars have different words, and
the panels roll away to the side of the screen. (Honestly, I'm still not
too comfortable with the OpenOffice stylist!) Being different, though,
does not mean being difficult. It takes a bit of effort, but you can
quickly adapt to the Linux world.
4. Once you get over the initial learning curve, you'll begin to see the
incredible power of Linux. Your desktop can be customized in ways Microsoft
has never dreamed of (you can even make it behave just like Windows if you
want). I routinly use multiple desktops in Linux and miss that feature when
I work with Windows. Windows has nothing even close to programs like The
Gimp for the same price (or, in some cases, at any price). If you give
Linux a chance and learn about this OS you will soon grow attached to its
power.
Again, I apologize for writing a book. However, I wanted to share my
thoughts about Linux and encourage you to continue to work with it. Someday
you'll wonder why you even still have Windows on your computer!
--George
- Next message: mjt: "Re: Yahoo"
- Previous message: Frank Kuypers: "Re: Yahoo"
- In reply to: Gearóid Ó Laoi/Garry Lee: "I am finding this Linux a lot of bother."
- Next in thread: Bill Unruh: "Re: I am finding this Linux a lot of bother."
- Reply: Bill Unruh: "Re: I am finding this Linux a lot of bother."
- Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ] [ subject ] [ author ]
Relevant Pages
|
