Linux

Notice there are no replies? That's because no-one in their right mind actually uses Linux. It's so full of security holes every 14 year old kid knows how to hack it... They only have it cause it's free

I thik it depends in the context. There is nothing wrong with using Linux or saying that one prefers Linux to Windows. As far as it's within topic.
There are no hopsitals here either, but dicussing the health system is fine too, as there are a multitude of topics that are also discussed although are not directly linked to skinning Windows.

Of course. Nothing wrong with that, paxx.

I use Linux as a dual boot to my Windows, but I prefer not to take it online. It is more of a learning tool for me, always nice to "expand" ones horizons whenever possible.

And, since there are others like myself here on WC, I see no reason not to "discuss" these things, but sure, I can understand youe point MadIce, Windows Customization is not for Linux, but Linux customization has "ideas" that can be bebeficial to Skinners on WC.

Lets not limit ourselves and retreat into a siege mentality.

The BSD's are still better than any linux distro.

I just don’t see the use for Linux when I have something a lot better like Windows, I guess if Windows didn’t exist I would probably join those nuts that applause at Apple conventions every time Apple announces some “brave new world” innovation that they have boldly developed.

I especially have to laugh at all the faster and faster processor speeds; the development of efficient memory capable of running the apps of the future is what is lagging years behind.

I know a guy who Is a total linux freak...As soon as Mandrake 9.2 came out, he ordered it, and cursed the postal company for not delivering it fast enough. The only person in his house that uses windows is his wife...His kids all have to use linux. Ive used it enough to see that its not as bad as ppl think, but I wouldnt make the conversion myself. The main reason is that many proggys that are built for windows dont run on linux. Yes, Ive heard of those programs that will allow that, but its nice to just install and go instead of having to mess around with extra software. Linux is not your grandma's OS...Sure, the penguin is cute, but it requires extra intelligence if you want to run it as a totoal replacement for windows.

boggling

poor kids

you all but hope our resident linux nut tech cat dosen't see this thread......

This thread was started because of things said in another thread. He seems to be MIA though

I prefer to be called a Linux Zealot. Whenever I see any kind of FUD being spread about Linux, I do feel a need to defend Linux. Already I have seen FUD spread here about how Linux is not secure or is inferior to Windows. I think Microsoft's spin doctor's created all that FUD to spread around. Microsoft feels very threatened from Linux's existence.

Here is a link to a page that responds to the most popular FUD spreading around http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Hills/9267/fud2.html
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Kona, I look forward to finding out what you think of Mandrake since you have been trying it out. Please give us the the Pros and Cons as you see them whenever you are ready. If you have had any problems I will be happy to help you out if I can.

thanks cat....

I think there's a lot of crap on both sides of the fence. Contrary to the belief of those on either side, neither Windows or Linux (or the BSDs or Mac, etc.) are the pinnacle of computing experience, nor are any of the above horrible operating systems that you wouldn't inflict on your sister.

There are strengths and weaknesses on both platforms. From my own standpoint, I currently use XP and Mandrake 9.1. As I am a unix developer, the linux environment is a natural venue for me to continue my development activities. For most other uses, I tend to default to XP, partly because I get to use all the goodies that stardock provides, but also because it is the default environment for most of what I do (other than development) at work, and it does have a pretty good user experience.

Neither platform is inherently superior to the other, they just fulfill different needs. Both can be secured quite well with a little attention to detail, and both systems are quite unprotected by default. Just as a carpenter would have different tools in their toolbox to perform different tasks, so will many computer users also have different computer tools available, as needed.

The only thing that bugs me about most of the naysayers on both sides of the fence, are that they will spout off an opinion about a system they have never actually used (or at least, never actually used past the point of seeing one thing they didn't like, and using that as a basis to denigrate the rest of the system). Having a genuine preference is one thing, but to blindly bash one or the other based merely on hearsay or defensiveness is immature and unnecessary.

Admittedly, hawking Linux on a site devoted to customizing Windows is probably a clear sign of targeting the wrong audience .

Well stated Aleatronic.

I however question the resistance to discussing Linux on this site when other topics that have nothing to do with customizing Windows are discussed here as well. Examples are movies, games, French Fries, music, RIAA, and ect.

MAC attempted to make the idiot proof box and evolves towards giving users more control over things.

Windows attempted to allow users coming from the Dos environment more control over things and evolves towards becoming an idiot box.

Unix, AIX. Linux and even DOS to some extent, put the "G" in Geek, as in Computer Geek.

It all depends on what you ant, where you want it and what you decide to take up to get there...



I like em personally

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Good point IPural. Maybe the Linux bashers are just jelious that they don't have the intelligence to learn Linux.

TC,

I actually agree that there's nothing wrong with discussing Linux here (apparently we're managing quite nicely in this thread ), but coming here with a positive opinion about Linux is much like going to Slashdot with a positive opinion about Windows. Which I think is kind of sad, because there are people on both sites (and many others), that are into computing because of what they can do with computers, not only in terms of what they can do with computers, but also in terms of how they can personalize their computers to suit their own needs and aesthetics.

I've seen themes here (and on other sites for Linux) that have enough effect on the system as to render it substantially different from the base material, both in appearance and interaction. In my opinion, anyone who has the attitude that they can improve their user experience on a computer, regardless of the underlying OS, should be exactly the kind of user that is willing to honestly examine the different offerings available, if only because they might find something they like that can be translated to the system they prefer to use.

Just as an example, I like Macs, but I don't own one, largely because of cost, and also because I'm not willing to absorb the cost of transferring all of my apps, etc. But I do think that there are things that the Mac does better than any other system, and if the preponderance of Mac like themes on this site (and others) is any indication, I'm not alone in that assessment. Additionally, I feel that there are things that Windows does better than anything else, and there are things that Linux does better.

I like computers. I like all kinds of computers, and I've been playing with them in one fashion or another for 27 years. I have successfully managed to avoid being infected with the idealogical malady of believing that any one system is fundamentally better than any other. For me, all computers (and operating systems, etc.) are a limitless resource containing knowledge and fascination and discovery. And the more you know about all computer systems, the better you'll be able to understand and make use of any particular computer system.

Here is a money making thought. Why can't stardock make WB for the Linux system?

Kona, Linux does already has something similar to WB in each desktop environment such as KDE for example. http://www.kde-look.org/ offers skins for KDE which are just as much of a face lift on KDE that WB skins are on Windows.

I remember reading a couple years back that Stardock was originally a software developer for the OS/2 operating system. OS/2 failed to sell so Stardock had to migrate to another OS to stay in business. They chose Windows because of the popular misconception that all Linux apps must be free. It is a shame that such FUD scared them away from Linux since there are some commercial apps for Linux that are neither free or open source. I would like to see Stardock products on Linux but Linux would have to become more mainstream for Stardock to consider something like that.

What is ironic about Stardock starting out on OS/2 is that Windows XP is based on the NT kernel which is based on OS/2. In a way Stardocks still supports OS/2 based systems.

They chose Windows because of the popular misconception that all Linux apps must be free. It is a shame that such FUD scared them away from Linux since there are some commercial apps for Linux that are neither free or open source.

I'm going to go out on a limb here on the fact that no, its not because "all linux apps must be free" but the fact that nobody would pay for desktop enhancements when the market is already saturated with free alternatives. Its nowhere near as lucritive a market as Windows is.

And never will be.

Hi there,

As far as i know isn't NT based on OS2 but on VAX?

NT is built off of the OS/2 system that IBM and Microsoft collaberated on. Microsoft and IBM split and each developed their own OS based on the one they built together. IBM continued to use the OS/2 label while Microsoft opted to develop their OS under the name Windows NT. Microsoft hired the guy responsible for developing VAX/VMS to head the development of NT. In a way NT is a decendant of both OS/2 and VAX/VMS.



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