We don't have any dedicated linux thread on FC. So here it is. Share your experiences with using Linux, or share your criticism of Linux and why you love it or hate it.

There is always new stuff coming of linux world which sometimes doesn't have too much of publicity. If you have found something new share that as well. :)

Kabir

November 13, 2007, 11:39 AM

I hate to admit it, but I really don't know much about Linux. Being in IT and not knowing about Linux is a crime, I know that.

I always wanted to use a Linux OS, but the sheer complexity of choosing the right OS, and having to install the thing myself turns me off. Anyone who can help me with it, please do. :)

Nasif

November 13, 2007, 11:40 AM

Currently I am using Ubuntu and CentOS. Ubuntu is gradually turning out to be a real windows killer. Although there are serveral things that they will have to streamline before it can be a real mass alternative. With release cycle of every 6 months, Ubuntu is moving on real fast.

I am using the latest 7.1, released last month. They have sorted the biggest issue in this update, WPA and Roaming Wifi. All my laptops run Ubuntu 7.1 (dell and compaq); works great (its dual boot with Windows and Ubuntu).

Its an all in one solution for general users, with DVD, mp3, web browsing, office apps ect. Sounds promosing.
http://www.thinkgos.com/index.html

AsifTheManRahman

November 13, 2007, 11:41 AM

Kabir bhai, why don't you just log in to a remote server?

AsifTheManRahman

November 13, 2007, 11:43 AM

I've had my issues with Ubuntu installations, but have been using it for a while now and have grown to like it.

Nasif

November 13, 2007, 11:43 AM

I hate to admit it, but I really don't know much about Linux. Being in IT and not knowing about Linux is a crime, I know that.

I always wanted to use a Linux OS, but the sheer complexity of choosing the right OS, and having to install the thing myself turns me off. Anyone who can help me with it, please do. :)

Kabir, those days of "complexity" is long gone. Just download the ISO image, burn on CD, pop it in our desktop, laptop and see Linux run; without writing a single byte on your harddrive.

This is called Live environment. Which means you can do a full trial without really installing anything on hard drive.
http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

It can't be any easier than that :)

ialbd

November 13, 2007, 11:47 AM

oh Ubuntu..... a proud user here.....

I also have windows, but Ubuntu will seriously be a Windows-killer (if not already)...

for a regular computer user, who browses the internet, watches movies, works with documents files & presentations and many more, I really dont see why he needs to get a 500 dollar vista with 300 dollar office 2007....

Kabir

November 13, 2007, 11:51 AM

Kabir bhai, why don't you just log in to a remote server?

Any suggestions about the server?

Kabir

November 13, 2007, 11:52 AM

Kabir, those days of "complexity" is long gone. Just download the ISO image, burn on CD, pop it in our desktop, laptop and see Linux run; without writing a single byte on your harddrive.

This is called Live environment. Which means you can do a full trial without really installing anything on hard drive.
http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

It can't be any easier than that :)

You're right. My main fear is the "complexity".

This is a great suggestion...I didn't know that this is possible for Linux. I'll definitely give it a shot this weekend.

The screen capture looks incredibly sexy.

Nasif

November 13, 2007, 11:54 AM

Any suggestions about the server?

You won't get the real feel of Ubuntu running from shell, or even on VNC remote desktop. It will be more hassle. You need to pop-in that live cd Ubuntu 7.1 :-B

Nasif

November 13, 2007, 11:57 AM

The screen capture looks incredibly sexy.

That one is a different distribution, a child of Ubuntu.

If your PC has nVidia or ATI graphics card, then just pop in the Ubuntu 7.1 live cd and start drolling on the eye candy that will follow.

AsifTheManRahman

November 13, 2007, 12:00 PM

Any suggestions about the server?

Well you can ssh into one of the U Toronto linux servers. Not the real experience, but shouldn't matter if you're looking to do some development work.

AsifTheManRahman

November 13, 2007, 12:03 PM

with 300 dollar office 2007....

And that's where Open Office comes in. I've officially boycotted MS Office on my personal computer, since I don't really use Outlook at home.

Nasif

November 13, 2007, 12:08 PM

And that's where Open Office comes in. I've officially boycotted MS Office on my personal computer, since I don't really use Outlook at home.

The day Linux comes up with Exchange server clone or similar groupware app; no one will use Office anymore. The Outlook and Exhange server is what keeping Office alive.

:hairpull:

Final blow will be when we will be able to run ASP.net on Apache server, that will just kill Windows Server! :wow:

There is already lot of development on opensource .Net framework, called Mono.
http://www.mono-project.com/Main_Page

I also have ubuntu 7.10 installed on a 1GB USB drive and acts as an OS loader directly from USB (very handy if your laptop has XP and you want to run Linux for a short while).

AsifTheManRahman

November 13, 2007, 12:24 PM

I thought you can already run ASP.NET on an Apache server? For example, take a look at the following:

http://weblogs.asp.net/israelio/archive/2005/09/11/424852.aspx

cricket_dorshok

November 13, 2007, 12:25 PM

All the posters above are IT people. I am the one non-IT professional using and love Linux. I am using Suse 10.2 in both Laptop and desktop and have dual boot with XP.

Nasif

November 13, 2007, 12:33 PM

I thought you can already run ASP.NET on an Apache server? For example, take a look at the following:

http://weblogs.asp.net/israelio/archive/2005/09/11/424852.aspx

This is running ASP.NET in a Windows server. I was talking about running ASP.NET in native Linux with Apache. It can done partially, but Mono is not complete yet AFAIK, i.e it doesn't have full .Net framework 2.0 mapped yet. When thats done, you won't need Windows for your .net apps. That is the ultimate killer.

Here is an example of running ASP.net in native Linux with Mono.
http://www.codeproject.com/cpnet/introtomono2.asp

ialbd

November 13, 2007, 12:35 PM

Final blow will be when we will be able to run ASP.net on Apache server, that will just kill Windows Server! :wow:

There is already lot of development on opensource .Net framework, called Mono.
http://www.mono-project.com/Main_Page

woah.... how is this possible (I mean opensource .Net framework development). Is'nt MS gonna whoop there a** with lawsuits? I mean .Net is the trump card that MS has left (they are even convincing high schools/univs to change their intro level programming courses from Java to C#/VB.net etc) ..... and they'll just let it go opensource that easy?? I am confused....

But I have to give one thing to MS, its them against the rest of the world.... and they are keeping up to the challenge... laudable...

and Asp.net compatibility on Apache server..... I think this is in the same list as 'daridro mukto Bangladesh'.....:D

Tokai

November 13, 2007, 12:40 PM

I could never make the Bangla interface to work on Linux. (Last time I tried was about 3 years ago). How much things have changed since then?

Nasif

November 13, 2007, 12:52 PM

woah.... how is this possible (I mean opensource .Net framework development). Is'nt MS gonna whoop there a** with lawsuits? I mean .Net is the trump card that MS has left (they are even convincing high schools/univs to change their intro level programming courses from Java to C#/VB.net etc) ..... and they'll just let it go opensource that easy?? I am confused....

But I have to give one thing to MS, its them against the rest in the world.... and they are keeping up to the challenge... laudable...

and Asp.net compatibility on Apache server..... I think this is in the same list as 'daridro mukto Bangladesh'.....:D

Mono project isn't stealing anything. They have written every class, methods, interfaces all by themselves. They are just following IL structure to be compatible with .net.

Here is some copy paste from Mono FAQ page.
http://www.mono-project.com/FAQ:_General

Can Mono run binaries produced by Visual Studio?

Yes, Mono can run binaries produced by Visual Studio, there is no need to recompile.
Use our Mono Migration Analysis (http://www.mono-project.com/Moma) tool to check if everything that your application uses has been implemented in Mono or if there are special considerations to keep in mind.
The Mono API today is somewhere in between .NET 1.1 and .NET 2.0, see our Roadmap (http://www.mono-project.com/Roadmap) for details about what is implemented.
What is Mono™ exactly?

The Mono Project is an open development initiative sponsored by Novell to develop an open source, UNIX version of the Microsoft .NET development platform. Its objective is to enable UNIX developers to build and deploy cross-platform .NET Applications. The project implements various technologies developed by Microsoft that have now been submitted to the ECMA for standardization.
The Mono Project has also sparked a lot of interest in developing C#-based components, libraries and frameworks. The most important ones, some of which were developed by the Mono team, are:

Gtk# (http://gtk-sharp.sf.net/) (http://gtk-sharp.sf.net): Bindings for the popular Gtk+ GUI toolkit for UNIX and Windows systems. Other bindings are available: Diacanvas-Sharp and MrProject.
#ZipLib (http://www.icsharpcode.net/OpenSource/SharpZipLib/Default.aspx) (http://www.icsharpcode.net/OpenSource/SharpZipLib/Default.aspx): A library to manipulate various kinds of compressed files and archives (Zip and tar).
Tao Framework (http://www.mono-project.com/Tao): bindings for OpenGL
Mono.Directory.LDAP / Novell.Directory.LDAP: LDAP access for .NET apps.
Mono.Data: We ship support for PostgreSQL, MySQL, Firebird, Sybase ASE, IBM DB2, SQLite, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and ODBC data sources.
Mono.Cairo: Bindings for the Cairo (http://www.cairographics.org/) (http://www.cairographics.org) rendering engine (Our System.Drawing is implemented on top of this).
Mono.Posix / Mono.UNIX: Bindings for building POSIX applications using C#.
Mono.Remoting.Channels.Unix: Unix socket based remoting
Mono.Security: Enhanced security and crypto framework
Mono.Math: BigInteger and Prime number generation
Mono.Http: Support for creating custom, embedded HTTP servers and common HTTP handlers for your applications.
Mono.XML: Extended support for XML
Managed.Windows.Forms (aka System.Windows.Forms): A complete and cross platform, System.Drawing based Winforms implementation.
Remoting.CORBA (http://remoting-corba.sourceforge.net/) (http://remoting-corba.sourceforge.net/): A CORBA implementation for Mono.
Ginzu: An implementation on top of Remoting for the ICE (http://www.zeroc.com/) (http://www.zeroc.com) stack For a more complete list, see the Libraries (http://www.mono-project.com/Libraries) and Software (http://www.mono-project.com/Software) pages.
What is the difference between Mono and the .NET Initiative?

The ".NET Initiative" is a somewhat nebulous company-wide effort by Microsoft, one part of which is a cross-platform development framework. Mono is an implementation of the development framework, but not an implementation of anything else related to the .NET Initiative, such as Passport or software-as-a-service.
What technologies are included in Mono?

Mono contains a number of components useful for building new software:

A Common Language Infrastructure (CLI) virtual machine that contains a class loader, Just-in-time compiler, and a garbage collecting runtime.
A class library that can work with any language which works on the CLR. Both .NET compatible class libraries as well as Mono-provided class libraries are included.
A compiler for the C# language. In the future we might work on other compilers that target the Common Language Runtime. Windows has compilers that target the virtual machine from a number of languages: (http://msdn.microsoft.com/net/thirdparty/default.asp#lang) (http://msdn.microsoft.com/net/thirdparty/default.asp#lang) Managed C++, Java Script, Eiffel, Component Pascal, APL, Cobol, Perl, Python, Scheme, Smalltalk, Standard ML, Haskell, Mercury and Oberon.
The CLR and the Common Type System (CTS) enables applications and libraries to be written in a collection of different languages that target the byte code This means for example that if you define a class to do algebraic manipulation in C#, that class can be reused from any other language that supports the CLI. You could create a class in C#, subclass it in C++ and instantiate it in an Eiffel program. A single object system, threading system, class libraries, and garbage collection system can be shared across all these languages.
Will you implement the .NET Framework SDK class libraries?

Yes, we will be implementing the APIs of the .NET Framework SDK class libraries.
What does the name "Mono" mean?

Mono is the word for 'monkey' in Spanish. We like monkeys.
Does Mono work today?

Yes, Mono is used in many commercial and open source applications (http://www.mono-project.com/Software) and is used by many companies (http://www.mono-project.com/Companies_Using_Mono).
The execution engine works on many platforms (See the detailed list (http://www.mono-project.com/Supported_Platforms)) and the scope of Mono is quite comprehensive. Detailed plans are available in our Plans (http://www.mono-project.com/Plans) page.

What companies are using Mono?

You can see a list of some Companies Using Mono (http://www.mono-project.com/Companies_Using_Mono) page.
A number of commercial software products are listed here (http://www.mono-project.com/Software).
When will you ship Mono?

Please see the Mono Roadmap (http://www.mono-project.com/Mono_Project_Roadmap) for more details on the release plans.

Mono and Microsoft

Is Microsoft helping Novell with this project?

There is no high level communication between Novell and Microsoft at this point, but engineers who work on .NET or the ECMA groups have been very friendly, and very nice to answer our questions, or clarify part of the specification for us. Microsoft is interested in other implementations of .NET and are willing to help make the ECMA spec more accurate for this purpose. Novell participates in the ECMA committee meetings for C# and the CLI.
Are Microsoft or Corel paying Novell to do this?

No.
Do you fear that Microsoft will change the spec and render Mono useless?

No. Microsoft proved with the CLI and the C# language that it was possible to create a powerful foundation for many languages to inter-operate. We will always have that.
Even if changes happened in the platform which were undocumented, the existing platform would a value on its own.
Are you writing Mono from the ECMA specs?

Yes, we are writing them from the ECMA specs and the published materials in print about .NET.
If my applications use Mono, will I have to pay a service fee?

No. Mono is not related to Microsoft's initiative of software-as-a-service.
Is the Mono Project related to the Microsoft Hailstorm effort? Is Novell endorsing Hailstorm?

No. The Mono Project is focused on providing a compatible set of tools for the Microsoft .NET development platform. It does not address, require, or otherwise endorse the MS Passport-based Hailstorm single sign-on system that is part of Windows XP and other services.
Will Mono or .NET applications depend on Microsoft Passport?

No. MS Passport is unrelated to running .NET compatible applications produced with the Mono tools. The only thing you will need is a just-in-time compiler (JIT).
If Microsoft will release a port of their .NET platform under the 'Shared Source' license, why should I bother with anything else?

The Shared Source implementation will be expensive and its uses will be tightly restricted, especially for commercial use. We are working towards an implementation that will grant a number of important rights to recipients: use for any purpose, redistribution, modification, and redistribution of modifications. This is what we call Free Software (http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html) (http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html)

Nasif

November 13, 2007, 12:54 PM

I could never make the Bangla interface to work on Linux. (Last time I tried was about 3 years ago). How much things have changed since then?

Most of distros already have Bangla, you will have to either install Banlga package or just manually install fonts. FireFox works fine with Bangla. Ubuntu has all the Banlga typing interface available. You can switch between them easily from the taskbar.

ammark

November 13, 2007, 01:09 PM

Time to poop the party. The best resource for linux programs is the internet, and here in Bangladesh for us home users the net SUCKs. I had ubuntu installed but not once has it been able to complete a software update because of what the net is.

Essentially until the Proshashonik and Amlatantrik Jotilotas disappear from the face of the earth (thus freeing up the connectivity of Bangladesh to the world), Mac or Ubuntu wont be able to make it big against a Pirated Windows and Windows Software market.

I miss my Feisty Fawn :(

tonoy

November 13, 2007, 02:31 PM

my problem with complete transition to linux world is the "running windows application" on it. I know about Wine and also some emulators. But was never fully impressed. I have a dual core processor and im thinking of switching today. Could anyone recommend me some windows running application alternatives.

I am also seeing some problems involving how wine is not fully utilizing the dual core to run games. could someone please update more on this.

ammark

November 13, 2007, 02:55 PM

I am also seeing some problems involving how wine is not fully utilizing the dual core to run games. could someone please update more on this.

If its games you want to run, use Cedega Crossover Office, not WINE.

tonoy

November 13, 2007, 03:03 PM

is there any messenger for ubuntu that will have the voice chat and webcam option?

Nasif

November 13, 2007, 03:09 PM

Use AMSN, its a clone of MSN. Has webcam support.

http://www.amsn-project.net/

http://www.amsn-project.net/images/box2.png
aMSN is a free open source MSN Messenger clone, with features such as:

Display pictures
Custom emoticons
Multi-language support (around 40 languages currently supported)
Webcam support
Sign in to more than one account at once
Full-speed File transfers
Group support
Normal, and animated emoticons with sounds
Chat logs
Timestamping
Event alarms
Conferencing support
Tabbed chat windows

tonoy

November 13, 2007, 03:12 PM

Allright, I have decided to go for the transition.

Kabir

November 13, 2007, 03:49 PM

Nasif bhai, any idea if aMSN is better than the real MSN? In terms of video quality/speed I mean.

Nasif

November 13, 2007, 03:57 PM

Nasif bhai, any idea if aMSN is better than the real MSN? In terms of video quality/speed I mean.

Not sure, haven't used it much. There is windows version of it (It is made for all OS, Win, Mac, Linux); you can try the windows version and test it.

tonoy

November 13, 2007, 04:27 PM

im testing the ubuntu right now. everything seems good. but i can not hear any sound. is it suppose to happen since it is running from the cd boot?

Nasif

November 13, 2007, 05:13 PM

im testing the ubuntu right now. everything seems good. but i can not hear any sound. is it suppose to happen since it is running from the cd boot?

You should have everything functional from CD. Whats your PC or Laptop brand, more specifically audio card model? You audio card driver might be missing.

tonoy

November 13, 2007, 05:20 PM

its realtek audio driver. cant seem to get the sound working. My notebook is an Acer by the way. everything else was detected.

Miraz

November 13, 2007, 05:28 PM

A layman here.

Nasif bhai, if my laptop is pre-loaded with Windows XP/Vista, why should I think of using Ubuntu or Linux?

In other words , what's the advantage of using Linux when you already have Windows?

tonoy

November 13, 2007, 05:32 PM

i can apparently hear sound through input audio speakers but not the laptop speakers itself.

Nasif

November 13, 2007, 05:35 PM

Search in http://ubuntuforums.org/search.php
with "realtek audio"

Some solutions are posted there. This card isn't too friendly with linux (All manufacturer run after MS, very few actually release anything for linux).

Also, Fedora just released version 8 yesterday; you might give its live CD a shot. Might have support for your sound card.
http://fedoraproject.org/

tonoy

November 13, 2007, 05:48 PM

ah my built in speakers and microphone not working or being detected.

zahid

November 13, 2007, 05:55 PM

A layman here.

Nasif bhai, if my laptop is pre-loaded with Windows XP/Vista, why should I think of using Ubuntu or Linux?

In other words , what's the advantage of using Linux when you already have Windows?

Miraz bhai, Linux is not for the regular Home user.
Some people only prefer it as it looks cool and is open-source.

It's mostly used by IT people who run Apache Servers or who have to do lot of configurations or command-based Programming.

Going back to the OP's questions, there's no good game made for Linux. Personally, I have used Debian.

Hatebreed

November 13, 2007, 05:57 PM

I don't use Linux, but I want to use it on PS3 (Ubuntu specifically). I just can't be fussed with setting it up on PC.

Miraz

November 13, 2007, 07:07 PM

A layman here.

Nasif bhai, if my laptop is pre-loaded with Windows XP/Vista, why should I think of using Ubuntu or Linux?

In other words , what's the advantage of using Linux when you already have Windows?

Thanks Zahid for your answer.

Nasif bhai, I am still waiting for your expert opinion.

Nasif

November 13, 2007, 11:31 PM

A layman here.

Nasif bhai, if my laptop is pre-loaded with Windows XP/Vista, why should I think of using Ubuntu or Linux?

In other words , what's the advantage of using Linux when you already have Windows?

This is the answer:
1. The computer that came with XP/Vista, wasn't free OS. You paid for the OS. Dell and most makers will refund your OS cost if you ask for it, that is get the pc/laptop without any OS.

2. Like it or not, your PC with XP/Vista will never run as fast as it did when first started it. Day by day, like a beatup car it will get slower and slower and you cave in to buy yet another update/version of MS OS. As you are a layman you wouldn't know how to optimize your PC and get all the malware/spyware/memory hoggers out. If you have faced the painfully slow PC for no apparent reason (PC with latest CPU, lots of RAM); you would know how that feels! You feel like ripping your hair off:hairpull:

The very reason that it gets gradually slower (this is huge topic in itself as to why this slowness happens) is in itself OS's fault. But ultimately you will pay for it yet again on your next OS purchase and system upgrade! Its the cycle in this industry that MS has spent $$$ over the years to create.

3. All the MS application (Office and others) will demand more and more with every new release; more memory, faster CPU, etc; translate this into more $$$$. Not to mention you have to pay for all the apps. Remember that your OS doesn't come with anything! MS Office, you gotta pay for it :o

4. With Linux, you aren't just getting the OS; but every single application that you will ever need for free! Office apps, video, graphics every single thing. Most of the $$$ that you will throw out is for "authentic" apps, while you can do all those for free. On windows you can get most of those apps for free now as well. Thats a good sign :)

Not sure if these are convincing or not, but if you google a bit I bet you will find boat of reasons as to why you should try linux. Here is one: http://www.raiden.net/?cat=2&aid=312

If not for anything, may be try it just to feel free. Freedom and safety is the biggest reason of them all. :)

PS: Don't forget to try out the interactive windows top of this post, if nothing you will have a great laugh ;)

RazabQ

November 13, 2007, 11:59 PM

ha ha that thing is a blast ...

Nasif

November 14, 2007, 10:05 AM

ha ha that thing is a blast ...

Even though I have seen it several times, it still makes me laugh, especially clicking on "Outlook and clicking on OK", :lol:

Tigers_eye

November 14, 2007, 12:55 PM

Original redhat 5.0, 6.0 and 6.1 user. Moved away from IT so got trapped in making Bill Gates richer.

Spitfire_x86

November 14, 2007, 03:16 PM

The biggest problem with Linux is its terrible offline package management. apt-get/synaptic is great if you have high speed internet, but otherwise you're doomed.

PC-BSD is probably the only Linux/BSD distro that tries to fix the problem with their PBI package management system, which probably works like the installer programs of Windows. Unfortunately no other Linux/BSD distro support this kind of package management. How does Linux expect to succeed in developing countries where internet access is very limited? Downloading 100+ MB Openoffice packages in every school PC with 64kbps internet doesn't sound fun.

The only alternative seems to be APTonCD. Has anybody used it? How well it handles offline re-installation of packages?

Spitfire_x86

November 14, 2007, 03:19 PM

A layman here.

Nasif bhai, if my laptop is pre-loaded with Windows XP/Vista, why should I think of using Ubuntu or Linux?

In other words , what's the advantage of using Linux when you already have Windows?
Apart from the "feel good" feeling you gain by fighting the establishment, nothing.

Kabir

November 14, 2007, 03:19 PM

How does Linux expect to succeed in developing countries where internet access is very limited? Downloading 100+ MB Openoffice packages in every school PC with 64kbps internet doesn't sound fun.

I'm surprised current BD market isn't utilizing this shortcoming and selling these open source software in CDs in the market.

Nocturnal

November 14, 2007, 03:23 PM

Apart from the "feel good" feeling you gain by fighting the establishment, nothing.

Can't agree here. Read Nasif bhai's post (#43).

Nasif

November 14, 2007, 03:34 PM

The biggest problem with Linux is its terrible offline package management. apt-get/synaptic is great if you have high speed internet, but otherwise you're doomed.

I agree, thats the biggest problem. Easy software installation is a must, like setup.exe stuff in windows. I personally believe it will happen. Its just matter of time.

Autopackage is looking good, almost like windows setup :)
http://www.autopackage.org/

Spitfire_x86

November 14, 2007, 03:38 PM

Can't agree here. Read Nasif bhai's post (#43).
All typical pro-Linux arguments. Linux don't have a future in Desktop. I don't want to repeat the obvious reasons that have been repeated so many times. If something like www.reactos.org could become magically usable within 1-2 years, only then we would have a serious alternative of Windows on Desktop. If you are going to convert someone who already paid for Windows (in money or time) then you can't compete on the price point.

Before Office 2007, OpenOffice was somewhat good alternative of MS Office. Now with Office 2007, it's time for them to play the catchup game again.

The freewares argument is not true. Windows has even more amount of good freeware/OSS softwares available. There are many Windows exclusive freeware/OSS softwares.

If the OSS people could win on all application software fronts, then they would have a realistic change of making a good number of people to switch OS (because then what OS they use wouldn't matter). For example, it is now not unrealistic to build a PC with Linux which will be only used for internet browsing (Firefox makes browsing experience same on all platforms).

Spitfire_x86

November 14, 2007, 03:42 PM

I'm surprised current BD market isn't utilizing this shortcoming and selling these open source software in CDs in the market.
Why would they? Afterall, there's hundreds of Linux distributions. For every different distro/distro versions, package dependecy is going to be different. It could be made simpler by focusing only on some specific distro, like Ubuntu. But there you lose the much touted "freedom of choice" advantage of Linux.

Spitfire_x86

November 14, 2007, 03:47 PM

I agree, thats the biggest problem. Easy software installation is a must, like setup.exe stuff in windows. I personally believe it will happen. Its just matter of time.

Autopackage is looking good, almost like windows setup :)
http://www.autopackage.org/
This kind of projects are exception, not mainstream. The main trend of Linux package management is focusing only on apt-get like solutions.

If Linux devs were serious about making simple installers, they could use NSIS which has been available for quite some time and very familiar in Windows world.

Kabir

November 14, 2007, 03:50 PM

Why would they? Afterall, there's hundreds of Linux distributions. For every different distro/distro versions, package dependecy is going to be different. It could be made simpler by focusing only on some specific distro, like Ubuntu. But there you lose the much touted "freedom of choice" advantage of Linux.

True.

But simulating the download process from web sites isn't difficult these days, specially when DVDs can hold over 4 GB. If they want, they can create a distribution disc with multiple versions of the software for different platforms.

Just a thought :)

tonoy

November 14, 2007, 09:17 PM

great news guys, I solved the sound problem by tweaking the alsa.

Nasif

November 14, 2007, 09:28 PM

great news guys, I solved the sound problem by tweaking the alsa.

Great going Tonoy :up:

tonoy

November 14, 2007, 10:24 PM

just turned off my ipv6. I dont if that is a good thing or not. getting the pages to load a bit faster now.

Shafin

December 31, 2007, 11:33 PM

Any of you tried out KDE 4? looks very promising.
I got the RC1 liveCD running on virtualbox,and the design changes are radical.But if what they claim are true,the underlying structure,which was completely reworked,is even more anticipation worthy.I'll sure give it a shot at 11 Jan,when the final version gets released.

And here is a shot from my KDE4 desktop:
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/2828/screenienb1.th.jpg

tonoy

January 1, 2008, 02:57 AM

could someone telll me how to link my virtualbox window with the ubuntu? Well i basically want to acces the net. im actually a n00b in this linux world.

Shafin

January 1, 2008, 03:55 AM

You need to access the ubuntu's folders,or you need to access the net only?

For net,in virtual machine settings>network,tick enable network Adapter and Cable connected boxes,and From the drop down menu,select NAT.That should do it.

To access ubuntu's folders,
Go to Settings> "Shared folders" and add the folders
Install Virtualbox guest additions
In a Windows guest, starting with VirtualBox 1.5.0, shared folders are directly visible in Windows Explorer. So, to attach the host's shared folder to your Windows guest, open Windows Explorer and look for it under "My Networking Places" -> "Entire Network" -> "VirtualBox Shared Folders". By right-clicking on a shared folder and selecting "Map network drive" from the menu that pops up, you can assign a drive letter to that shared folder.
Alternatively, on the Windows command line, use the following:
net use x: \\vboxsvr\sharename
While vboxsvr is a fixed name (note that vboxsrv would also work), replace "x:" with the drive letter that you want to use for the share, and sharename with the share name specified before.

I normally share the home and the media folder,By sharing the media folder,whenever a CDROM or Pen Drive is mounted,it becomes automatically shared.

tonoy

January 1, 2008, 07:23 AM

man you are a genius.:notworthy:

It works like a charm. I can access the net and windows is detecting my cd drive. its as though i have windows here :D.

When I was on Mandriva, it was possible. I extracted the DVD's iso image onto a directory (4.4GB) and changed the contents of a file on a boot disk to point to that folder. That way I could do a Mandriva Linux install straight from the hard drive without having to write a DVD. Unfortunately I havent yet found a way to get Ubuntu done that way. And it really sucks that Ubuntu comes out as a single CD, requiring downloads of many essential packages. Since coming back to BD, given the state of the internet (my "broadband" 24 hours, always on internet is capped at 6KB/s - 48kbps downloads), i have not touched my ubuntu install cd.

Which makes me ask... anyone willing to help me do some ARP poisoning on my ISP's network and somehow fix up my bandwidth allocation to be in excess of 250KB/s? Will be much appreciated. I'll buy you ice cream at Westin Hotel as payment for your services.

If you want to try another distribution, I would suggest trying Fedora Core. FC8 is pretty solid.
http://fedoraproject.org/

Bancan

January 23, 2008, 05:20 PM

I just got two Ubuntu cds. Tried running ubuntu from the cds. But it cant load .
I get an error saying "bcm43xx_microcodefw not available or load failed"

Can someone help me ?

Nasif

January 23, 2008, 08:59 PM

I just got two Ubuntu cds. Tried running ubuntu from the cds. But it cant load .
I get an error saying "bcm43xx_microcodefw not available or load failed"

Can someone help me ?

Do a CD check (there is an option on the boot screen for this). If the check fails; then the CD has errors on it. Just download ubuntu from the net and burn on CD.

Rahik

December 7, 2008, 01:47 PM

Using Ubuntu Intrepid Ibex 10 to write this, Linux has come a long way since I last used it. I used to dual boot XP and SuSe 10 but didn't take much liking to SuSe. If only Vista was as efficient as Ubuntu when using all the fancy effects - that would be heaven.

Whatever you do, do not install Linux on ATi cards - they are a pain. Ubuntu native vesa supports my monitor resolution and refresh rate, but when I install the drivers (most up to date I could both open source and proprietary) I can't for the life of me change the refresh rate and trust me 60hz hurts. This is where nVidia truly shines, they have great driver support for the linux environment and my old 7600GT works flawlessly and can display supported resolution and refresh rate (of 76hz).

And its not only that, no, it gets worse for ATi support. Try watching a video whilst running the effects, you will have a rife flicker-full experience. You have to disable the effects to watch any videos flicker free. This is obviously not the case with the nvidia cards.

I am actually considering selling my ATi HD4850 512mb graphics part for an el cheapo nVidia 8800GS just to run ubuntu without the headaches. Anyone interested in an ATi card???