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"Linux."

Linux, Has always been something of curiosity, I've always wondered what it’s like, how it works, how better it is then windows. Obviously it's quite a big deal; open-source operating systems are quite a novelty. The fact that Linux is quite a lot cheaper intrigues me, And when I get the rest of the bits for my PC, I'll probably have a Linux/Windows XP partition.

The reason Linux interests me so much is obviously because of the open source. I like programming, I've been doing it for a few years now, and to have the ability to 'modify' the distribution you have is pretty cool. It'd be obviously different from the highly successful, yet frowned upon windows operating system.

But there's a problem, I know feck all about it. Websites don't really explain much, I can't really find anything that tells me what I want to know/opinion, so I thought I’d come n ask you guys for help or information. If you don't mind.

I apologise if these questions sound horrifically retarded: -

• Does Linux support all hardware - like graphics cards etc
• Are the drivers any good for components in Linux?
• I noticed on the ATI site there was no 'catalyst' drivers for Linux - are graphics pretty crap in the OS then?
• Are there many games available for the OS? Like Counter Strike etc?
• If yes are they playable online with windows users?

And finally

• If I was to get Linux - What distribution would you recommend? I was thinking of going for SuSe Personal 8.2.

I thankyou for any help or replies that are received.

Just pre-ordered SuSe Linux Pro 9, should be out at the end of the month.

If you could explain briefly, how does it help?

A real man would use Linux From Scratch, which makes you compile everything from source until your head explodes out of boredom and frustration. Actually it's quite good for learning how Linux works and stuff. You should all try it.

Got a 2400XP+ ;)

I won't be getting the rest of my system until next month - So hopefully Mandrake 9.2 should be out by then.

I'm guessing an 80GB Harddrive would be ok to partition.

Miserableman wrote:
> On top of that, Linux UI performance is not quite up to Windows -
> there are more layers and more complexity in the various Linux GUIs
> than there are in Windows. Windows is heavily optimised to be a GUI
> Operating System, whereas Linux is a server OS with a GUI bolted on
> top.


Addendum: I should clarify that on an acceptably nippy machine (say 800Mhz+), the UI will still be reasonably responsive.

gamezfreak wrote:
> Ah cool!
>
> Thanks for the informative reply's people. Playing games probably is
> better on Windows because of its driver support and basically - most
> games just work and play better on Windows.


On top of that, Linux UI performance is not quite up to Windows - there are more layers and more complexity in the various Linux GUIs than there are in Windows. Windows is heavily optimised to be a GUI Operating System, whereas Linux is a server OS with a GUI bolted on top.


> I'd still partition my drive and download mandrake (cheers
> misrebleman) to see what its like and stuff. The thing that excites
> me is the fact that Linux is basically free. Everything can be
> downloaded for free - It's great!


You might not think it's so great when you have (literally) 10,000 programs and nfi what any of them do :O)


> It'd be interesting to see how everything works in Linux and see the
> comparisons with Windows. I was considering making a little 'media'
> PC downstairs for the living room (with an ITX board) that just plays
> DVD's/CD's etc. Linux would be handy for this.
>
> Thanks guys - I appreciate it!

There is the option to switch to KDE and GNOME, but they INSIST on using their beloved ALU.

Oh, I'm talking about AnotherLevelUp, a distro customised by my lecturers for Uni. It's rather awkward, you see.

Eh? Linux has far more keyboard shortcuts than Windows!

Turbonutter wrote:
> My first Linux installation was Debian.
>
> In fact I lie, it was Mandrake.
>
> Debian was EASIER than Mandrake to get working.


I suppose if the Mandrake install fails, then it would be a pain in the backside to fix, possibly more than Debian. But Mandrake 9.x is easier to install than Windows XP, and certainly a lot easier than Debian :O)

Icarus wrote:
> I wish there were more keyboard shortcuts in Linux.

You mean KDE/Gnome I presume. I'm pretty sure you can add your own.