Linux Beginners' Guide

Linux Beginners' Guide

This guide is made up of a few of the most amazing articles and Linux guides on the internet.
It is intended to help people understand that Linux is nothing to fear and inform them of an alternative operating system.
If you find this guide helpful then i ask that you spread the love and tell everyone you know about Linux and point them to this guide.

Table of Contents

Why Switch to Linux?
Debunking Common Misconceptions Among Linux Newbies
Open Source Equivalent Applications for the Average User
Links With More Information and Licensing

 

Why Switch to Linux?
By: GNU/Linux Matters

Linux is no harder to use than Windows, and has many more capabilities. It just takes minutes to get familiar with a distribution like Ubuntu or Fedora, which come with many programs installed.

If you need commercial-quality software to work with business documents, Internet/networking, or multimedia and graphics, it's there right out of the box. Want more than that? Linux can do it; there are hundreds of free, high-quality applications you can find and install easily.

You shouldn't assume however, that Linux is a clone of Windows. To know what to expect when stepping into it, this article will help you with the basics of switching to Linux.

From Windows to Linux

This is what everyday users usually find better, mostly the same, or not as good, when switching from Windows to Linux.

What is Better in Linux

• Programs. There are a wealth of free applications available at no cost under Linux. To edit professional documents, burn music CDs, rework photos, design a website, or organise music; there's no need for $200 software with restrictive licenses. The internal installer makes it incredibly easy to find, install and remove programs. It's also safe: you can forget the demo/trial crippled software, or harmful freeware polluting the web.

• No constant struggling. Keeping your computer in shape over time needn't be a struggle. One year on, Linux runs just as fast as the first day. And it may bring your old PC back to life. Also, Linux lets you choose what you want and what you don't. If you had a hard time getting rid of MSN Messenger, Windows Update notifications, or Clippit the paperclip, you'll find Linux refreshing.

• Security. Forget expensive and restrictive anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-anything and anti-everything. Linux is very, very secure. It is often difficult for Windows users to believe that there are no spyware nor viruses under Linux—but it's true. Malicious programs have a hard time doing anything at all in a well-built system. Regular, easy software updates will keep everyone entirely safe.

• Support. Linux benefits from a great sense of community whose friendliness will surprise you. If you try to do something complicated but can't succeed, there are a lot of people around to help you out. The companies behind the main GNU/Linux distributions, such as Canonical, Red Hat, and Novell, also provide expert commercial support. It's free. Unlike Windows, Linux is free software--free as in freedom. Install it on all computers and make copies for your friends! You can even study it, transform it as you please, or build and sell your own distribution.

• It's free. Unlike Windows, Linux is free software--free as in freedom. Install it on all computers and make copies for your friends! You can even study it, transform it as you please, or build and sell your own distribution.

What is Mostly the Same in Linux

Fundamentally, everyday users will find Linux similar in use to Windows or Mac OS X.

• General set-up. If you still believe Linux is controlled with code and command-line interfaces, you should update your point of view! Just like Windows, Linux a graphical interface when you switch your computer on, where you use programs to accomplish different tasks. The taskbar and layout of applications will feel familiar to Windows or Mac OS X users.

• Web browsing and common tasks. The Web looks just the same when viewed with Linux (in fact you can browse the Web with the same program if you already use Firefox). And of course, you can go through your picture and music collection all the same. Files and folders are navigated with a file manager like Windows Explorer.

What is Not as Good in Linux

"Never tell the truth to people who are not worthy of it." — Mark Twain;

or:

"Tell the truth and run." — Yugoslavian proverb.

• Driver support. Manufacturers of computer hardware don't always (yet) release drivers for Linux or publicize full specifications. So, drivers are sometimes unavailable for the most recent high-end graphics cards — some are reverse-engineered from Windows drivers by volunteers. Some are also released free of charge, but under restrictive licenses. Sadly, the same problem occurs with many low-end WiFi cards. However, the vast majority of computers with standard hardware work out of the box with main Linux distributions. Common hardware such as USB keys or photo cameras never are a problem.

• DVDs, restricted formats. Many multimedia formats in use are proprietary and not openly specified; this means, broadly speaking, that Linux programmers have to find out how to read them without any help from the format designers. This might lead you to circumvent the restrictions in some DVDs and the DRM in some music files, even if you purchased them in full legality, to be make them work under Linux. Unfortunately, depending on where you live, such circumvention processes may be illegal even if you purchased your media entirely legally.

• Gaming. Hard-core computer gamers, you might find that the Linux gaming world is less professional and out-of-the-box than under Windows: the large game developing companies are only slowly getting interested in the free software world, which means that many well-known titles do not work on Linux, or need special restrictive emulators to work.

• Hibernating. Because of the driver issues above, hibernating is not always reliable. The most common occurrence is the loss of WiFi connection after hibernating on laptops whose hardware drivers are not free.

Bottom Line

Whether you are going to enjoy Linux depends mostly on what you expect from it.

• If you wish Linux to be just exactly like Windows, you will probably be disappointed. Linux is built by people who simply wish it to be different. In the free software community, members have different visions of what makes an ideal operating system. These differences lead to variety, which is what makes Linux so special and interesting.

• Your freedom matters. Thousands in communities and companies work to build software on which you may exert this freedom. Using Linux is the easiest way to do so fully.

• It's fun! Not having to worry about spyware, viruses, program registrations, demos that expire, or finding software that is really free as in freedom, makes using a computer suddenly very enjoyable.

We hope you'll switch soon. There's a large community waiting, and no one in it asking you to "sign up, purchase, and register."


Choose a Distribution

Because there is no "one Linux", finding what you need can be difficult. Here are our choice of two beginner-friendly, widely used distributions.

Ubuntu

Simple, easy, usable. A tanned, smooth atmosphere that never gets in your way. All programs are kept in order and managed easily. Configuration is kept simple rather than exhaustive.

We recommend this friendly and complete distribution if you are looking for an easy way to try and step into Linux.


Ubuntu has a sister distribution, Kubuntu which has a different layout and slightly more advanced graphics.


Along with a brother distribution, Xubuntu that is often used on older computers, systems with limited resources, laptops, netbooks and high-efficiency workstations.


Fedora

The distribution by the long-time prominent GNU/Linux developer company Red Hat. The default layout is similar to Ubuntu (it is also possible to use KDE, the more advanced desktop environment in use in Kubuntu), but there are differences in the chosen applications, install protocols and several technical elements.

We recommend this distribution if you wish to learn more about the workings of a GNU/Linux system, security configuration, or work on software development.


Try or Install

You can see what Linux looks like on your computer in a number of easy ways.

Try out: The Live CD

Using a Live CD version of Linux--that is, a Linux that runs from a CD and is not installed onto your computer--is a good way to "try before you buy."

No Risk

Using a live CD means that Linux will be running on your computer without installing anything. It's a risk-less way to try and see by yourself what Linux is.

When running on a live CD, your computer uses solely the CD-ROM to work (without accessing the hard drive inside). You can launch all of the default programs, edit documents, and browse the web.

Since it is only designed as a trial mode, it is a little slow (it will take you five minutes to boot up, and programs launch somewhat slowly). If you proceed to install, the system will go much faster.

What You Need

To use a live CD, you need a little bit of curiosity and fifteen minutes of free time, but no advanced knowledge in computing. If you feel confident simply using Windows from time to time, then this is within your reach.

Installing With Dual Boot

If you're not quite ready to cut the cord from Windows, you can install both operating systems on one computer.

Choose at Start-Up

It is possible to install GNU/Linux along with Windows. This means that upon start-up, you will be greeted with a screen allowing you to boot into the operating system you prefer.

Setting up a dual-boot can be helpful if you need time to abandon restrictive software. It is not difficult to set-up, though erasing Windows altogether is even easier.

What You Need

Installing Linux on your computer will take you less than 30 minutes. It is not an obvious step for complete beginners, but if you use computers on a daily basis this is very likely within your reach. If you have already re-installed Windows on your computer, rest assured that installing Linux is no harder.

Get the CDs

For the distributions recommend in this article, the live CD is the same as the installation CD.

Ubuntu

Go download the Ubuntu CD. You can download an iso image (rather large file) and then burn it to a CD.

Order an Ubuntu CD. You can also order a CD that will be shipped to your home at no cost. Note that delivery can take up to ten weeks.

Fedora

Download the Fedora DVD or CD. The Fedora live CD also enables installation. Alternatively, you can download the DVD, which cannot act as live CD but permits speedier installation.

Linux Pre-Installed

Not all computers are shipped with Windows. If you do not wish to make the install yourself, or are in need of new hardware, you can get a laptop or a desktop pre-installed with GNU/Linux.
There is a list of vendors who pre-install Linux at LinuxPreloaded.com for more information.

 

Debunking Common Misconceptions Among Linux Newbies
By: Christopher Howard

The only realistic way to learn Linux is to use it.
Though this may seem like an obvious point, I have met a number of Linux newbies who did not seem to grasp the concept. These people often want to "dual-boot" Linux and another operating system, or to put Linux on a spare computer, so that they can "play" with Linux every once a while without going outside of the safety of the other operating system that they already know.
Trying to learn Linux by "playing" with it once in a while is like trying learning to ride a bike by walking next to it. To become proficient in Linux, you need to depend on it. Nothing will improve your Linux skills like knowing that you need it to send your next e-mail or to finish your next homework assignment.

You do not get software in the same way as you do for Windows and Macintosh computers.
With the Windows and Macintosh operating systems one typically finds software by buying a CD off of a shelf, downloading it from a malware-infested freeware site, or copying it illegally through peer-to-peer networks. In Linux, you rarely install software this way, and it is generally considered a bad idea to do so.
Almost every Linux distribution available has what is called an online software repository. An army of magical geeks and programmers find or make programs and put them into this repository. They examine each program in the repository as best they can in order to make sure the programs are safe to run on your computer and free of software bugs.
These repositories usually contain thousands of programs. All you have to do is learn how to use the "package management system" that came with your Linux distribution, and then you will be able to install and use all these programs for free. The package management system downloads the software from the repository and installs it on your computer for you.

There is a difference between an operating system and an interface.
With operating systems such as Windows or Macintosh, the operating system has a certain well-defined "look and feel", which can only be altered slightly. Things such as the location of menus and the way icons behave is characteristic of the operating system itself. This is called the operating system's "desktop environment".
In Linux, however, there are many different desktop environments available for you to choose from. Most Linux distributions come with a certain desktop environment by default. But if you don't like it, you can simply install a different one.
Do not allow yourself to become frustrated just because you come across an interface you do not like. Linux is highly customizable, and it can ultimately become whatever you want it to be.

The command line is not a bad thing.
For those of you who do not know what I am talking about, a "command line" is a special tool on your computer. It allows you to tell your computer what to do by typing commands instead of by clicking on icons or menus. Nearly every operating system has one - some just hide it a little better than others.
Some people are deathly afraid of the thing. Really, however, it is not all that bad. I have used mine for years, and I know a lot of other people who have as well. In fact, you can use it to accomplish a lot of cool things that are very difficult to accomplish without one.
But in any case, if you pick the right Linux distribution you may never even have to use the command line. Or at least, very rarely.

Linux is for gamers too.
Too many people believe the popular myth that there are no or very few computer games available for Linux. Actually, there are many games available, in a large variety of genres and styles. There are First-Person-Shooters (FPS), Role-Playing Games (RPG), arcade games, puzzle games, strategy games, flight simulators, and other games. Just run online searches for a list of "top linux games", or ask the nearest Linux fanatic what his favorites are.
Often these Linux games do not always have quite as high a resolution or quite as many features as their proprietary, commercial counterparts, but any gamer can have a satisfying experience if he is willing to patiently experiment with the various Linux games that are available.
Furthermore, due to special "emulator" technically written for Linux, it is sometimes possible to play Windows games on a Linux computer.
There is help available. You can certainly learn how to use Linux without any help if you really want to. But you do not need to. Strange as it may sound, the are literally thousands of people who "hang out" at online forums and chat channels for no other reason than to find people who need help with Linux (and to increase their own knowledge). Learn how to communicate with these people, and they will be able to answer nearly all the newbie questions you have.
Furthermore, there is online documentation scattered across the Internet for nearly every Linux distribution and program available. And if you are lucky enough to know a Linux fanatic personally, he or she will more than likely be glad to provide you with whatever resources you need to help you get set up.

The first experience is not always the characteristic one.
I once talked to a man who gave up on Linux after only a single attempt. As he provided me with more details, I came to find out that he happened to have chosen the most complex and technically-oriented Linux distribution available. There are many other distributions that are much easier to use, but he was not aware of that.
I knew another person who told me that he hated a particular Linux distribution. As it happens, he was using a version of that distribution which was almost ten years old!
If your first experience is a little rough for some reason, do not "throw in the towel". Talk to someone with more experience to see if you are doing something wrong. Or try a different desktop environment. Or try a different Linux distribution.

Linux is an operating system of ideals.
What is ultimately most important about Linux is that it is an operating system constructed of Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS). The entire FOSS movement is predicated on the idea of intellectual freedom. FOSS advocates believe that ultimately nobody "owns" a piece of software, and that people should be free to copy, distribute, and modify software without the legal restrictions and intellectual fetters imposed on them by copyright and patent holders.
Since most of the commercial software world does not think this way, Linux has always been something of an "underdog". Linux is a great operating system, and constantly improving, but it is not perfect. People who understand where Linux is headed are more apt to be patient when there are a few bumps along the road. Someone once said that "an ideal is still a useful thing, even if it is never fully realized."

 

Open Source Equivalent Applications for the Average User
By: Jack Wallen

So you need to use Windows applications...

One of the most-often asked questions I get from new Linux users is "How do I run Windows applications?" To that my initial reply is "Why do you need to run Windows applications?" There are many reasons why ranging from "I didn't know there was an alternative" to "My company requires me to use Windows applications." Regardless of the reasons, most people are pleased to find out there are options available. These options are:

• Using alternate software
• Emulating Windows
• Running Virtual instances of Windows

In this series of articles, I will be address all of the options above. It is my intent that, by the end of this series, you will have discovered that you can use the Linux operating system and, one way or another, you can satisfy your need for both the Linux operating system and Windows applications.

Part 1: Open Source Equivalent Applications for the Average User
Part 2: Emulation, or Virtualization: Which is Right for You?
Part 3: Use Windows Applications on Linux Using Emulation
Part 4: Enjoy Windows Applications on Linux with Virtualization

 

Links With More Information and Licensing

Linuxgames.com - This should be your homepage if you're a Linux Gamer.
Top 25 Linux Games for 2008 - For those too lazy to Google.
Ubuntu Forums - This is the place where you go to bother people with your questions.
Linux Today - The best source to help you keep up with what's happening.


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.

 

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

 

Luna???!!! Don't make me laugh myself to death. Luna and eye candy shouldn't be allowed in the same sentence. :laugh:

 

Hey Calvin. I think you should give WINE another mention here, "So....no gaming on Linux, eh?". Because right now games is probably what WINE does best. Maybe even provide a link to the WINE list of approved apps/games.

 

I'll add a mention of WINE in that one.

 

I see you fixed your "I" s.

 

Yup, i may have my hands full maintaining both of my guides on both here and DTR. :twitcy:

 

Another misuse of "I"!

j/k, well, good luck, if you need any help, let me know.

 

You're too heavily biased in favor of ubuntu.

You're too generous with your ratings. Mint has 9/10 hardware support but Ubuntu has 10/10 ? How does that make sense ? Mint is a Ubuntu derivative.
And 10/10 hardware support ? No room for improvement ?
I'm also not certain that SUSE ranks lower than Ubuntu for hardware support.

Mandriva is consicuously absent from the distro list.

Stabilty -- Ubuntu is based on Debian unstable, so if Ubuntu gets 10/10 for stability, what rating would the stable branch of Debian get ?

One major criteria missing is the number of packages available for a distro.

Finally, I'd suggest inserting two important links: linuxlaptops and linuxquestions.org forums. Linuxquestions is esp great as it has several dedicated subforums or different distributions.

 

I agree, the ratings are a mess.....

 

I would definitely add Mandiva Spring...it's also one of the best distro's out there now. PCLinuxOS has fallen behind the curve on hardware support, like Mepis I believe. Unless they've released something lately I don't know about

 

I agree, nothing got below a 8. Otherwise, a interesting guide.

 

That part is supposed to be biased, in case you couldn't read the part about it being based on opinion and not fact. I score them as i see fit, it's not set in stone.

 

I say just remove it then, if its going to be like that.

 

Why don't you make a Linux Switcher's Guide yourself and i'll see how well you can criticize then. I'm all for improvement but this is quite unhelpful if that's what you're trying to do.

 

Calvin, nice job. And regarding the opinions on ratings: Hell, nobody is going to agree anyway. LOL

FWIW, Borg, I love Suse, but I can NOT get the damn sound to work right. If I could, it would probably be my favorite distro and I'd be bugging Calvin to rate it an 11!

And Zoid, I also like Mandriva - it's one of my favorites, too.

 

Why Does Linux Mint Get lower scores in hardware compatibility and community support?
First- Mint works with all hardware Ubuntu does(99.9%)
Second, All The Support for Ubuntu can be used on mint(80%).

 

Thank you for your support Rob, at least you're one person who doesn't bash my guide. I really appreciate that. I would add Mandriva but it's slipped down on the DistroWatch list which is what i base it on, a lot of people go to DistroWatch so it gives a better representation of what people are into nowadays than i could think of.

Why lower scores? Simple, i had some hardware problems with Mint, therefore it gets a lower score. The community is also nothing as big as Ubuntu Forums, about 20 members online at once while UF has over 300. All support for Ubuntu can be used in Mint you say? Most, not all. Definitely not all, it's like trying to do something in Ubuntu that's made for Debian, it may not work.

 

Sorry Calvin, If you make something a Sticky, it better be as unbiased as possible.

 

Agreed, a bias article isn't much help.

 

Well, I'll work on it but i don't appreciate nonconstructive criticism. If there are improvements to be made they are to be suggested in a manner that is appropriate. I'm not saying your post wasn't very helpful as it described what you wanted changed completely, but some other posts aren't helpful at all. Which is who i was mainly suggesting go make his own guide if he was discontent with mine.

 

Calvin,

I (and I think others) did not mean that your guide is complete trash or does not contain useful information.

BUT, making it a sticky gives it a position of prestige, and people who do not agree with you ratings etc will get offended. A sticky indirectly implies that most of the people agree with the ratings, and the information contained in it.

This is not a good reason for sticky to assign a lower score because it did not work as well for one persons hardware. Mint worked better than Ubuntu on the laptop I tested it on.


So... what to do for ratings ? May I suggest 1) Removing the ratings 2)creating a seperate thread where users post their ratings, and linking that thread over here.

 

That doesn't sound like a bad idea, Calvin. It would give everyone who uses various distros a chance to evaluate and give their own opinions, and you, in turn, would not be held responsible for the overall rating.

OTOH, this is your thread, and you should be able to voice your own opinion as well. Depends on whether you feel the need for input from other users on this particular matter.

 

I do hope so, but you are forgetting that I have a Best Free Software for Windows sticky that has over 64,000 views and over 750 replies. I know what it is to handle a sticky, and I must sift through information and pick out what's best. I recognize that the current method isn't as good as it could be but until a better method gets suggested or I think of one, it stays that way. You have to understand the stress and time i put into making this guide and i get a whole bunch of posts like the ones i quoted from Thomas upon opening it for posting. Constructive collaboration is great, i'm open for any ideas though.

Thanks for your concern Rob, I appreciate it. There is already a thread similar to what you're looking for, my Linux Distribution Reviews thread, just make a review of the distro you want and I put it there. That way everyone gets to input what they want.

 

Power corrupts...

Calvin, look through this thread. no one supports the ratings in the sticky.

 

Ok, i feel this is enough. I'm requesting to have this thread locked for a few weeks. I feel this is blatant disrespect to someone just trying to help the community. Let me remind you, i didn't have to post this guide, i spend a good part of my week writing this up because i felt the Linux forums needed an update and i felt that i should give back to the community that has helped me. I bid you a good day sir.

 

That's right, you didn't.
Calvin, I do thank you for posting this, it is very well written I know you spent a lot of time on it, time you didn't have to.
But, in all do respect, the rating are a mess, Mint worked Way better on mine and most peoples laptops(and desktops, for that matter).
If you want to close it, that's your business, I just wanted to let you know some shortcomings. I wish you wouldn't ask this to be locked, you'll find you get both constructive and unconstructive criticism in anything, but, that's much better then no criticism, no?
I know this is your guide and you can do what you want with it.
All Due Respect,
- Thomas

 

Wow! I'm sorry to wee how low some people will go with their put downs and criticisms!

Give Calvin a break already! He worked very hard on this guide, and I think it's a pretty good one, and I know it will improve over time. This is just the beta gone live really. Just like Calvin's BFS thread, which has only gotten better and better. I seriously doubt that there is a better one anywhere on the net.

Calvin, I do agree that the rating system isn't good here. I suggest either posting rating based on some really broad research to get more fair, balanced, and accurate ratings, and add a few more worthy distos to the list, or just leave the ratings part out of the guide, as it's not really even necessary to the guide, and in it's currant form it does come off rather unbalanced and bias.

What do you think buddy?

 

I think that criticism can generally help to improve things. However, please remain respectful of others and post only if you have something constructive and useful to bring to the discussion.

Thank you.

 

I'm currently doing some research on how i can better the rating system as you suggested, it might take some time though and removing the entire section until then might not be the best choice. Will that do? I'm fine with suggestions, but due to this disrespect by other people i may take some time off from working hard on the guide and just relax if people feel they can just sit around and call other people's work useless.

 

I'm not calling your work useless, Im calling the rating system biased.
This is a great article Calvin, and thanks for making it(again).

 

Calvin, no one called this guide useless. Its much appreciated. People are just questioning the ratings part. I would not have bothered commenting on the ratings part if this was not a sticky.


On a lighter note...

But Fez .....

 

Well, you could take some of us that have put virtually everything on their machine and average ratings between a few users. Might be interesting anyways. PS....the guide is appreciated. This forum seriously needs some updated stickies as you said.

 

Didnt there use to be an Ubuntu sticky ? Why was it unstickied ?

 

Calvin, I'm sorry to say that I forgot about the Linux Distros Review Thread (which, i think, is where Zoid got me hooked on Mandriva ). Maybe you can somehow incorporate a ratings system using that thread as a staring point. Probably would require some adjustments here and there, but might satisfy everyone and save you from having to redesign this thread - which I like and will be disappointed if you stop working on it.

 

Now that there is clean room for ideas, i'm thinking of integrating both the distro reviews thread and that section would be a good idea. I am also thinking of using an advantages system that shows the advantages and disadvantages, using numbers to evaluate a distro is flawed and i feel there needs to be a textual representation of the distro. I lean towards the advantages/disadvantages system because that would allow the distro reviews to stay the same, but if not then all the current reviews would require a re-write so that i can show an important preview of the review with a link to it. In that preview would be some key points and details about the distro so that the user is fine without reading the entire review but those wanting more info could read it. Feedback?

 

I think scrapping numerical scores and instead having pros/cons together with a short summary is a splendid idea. I would recommend keeping that in a seperate thread, and linking it from this one.

Now, Lets put a smiiiiiiillle on that faaaaaacuh

 

I also think, well, this being a notebook forum and all, that notebook compatibility; and more specifically things such as notebook fingerprint readers, cameras, wireless cards, card readers etc. should be given a lot of weight in any rating system you use. So basically overall and component specific notebook compatibility should weigh in very heavily on the ratings and or pro/cons here. This is what every notebook user wants to know probably more than any other thing. Is it "install and you're good to go", or is, "install, configure, try again, rinse, repeat", well you get what I mean.

btw, I'm sure that there are some of us here, myself included if possible, who would be willing to test out some distros for this very purpose. We could wright up a little review and send it to you to incorporate into the thread. I'm sure that theZoid and a few others already have enough experience with some of the distros to be able to just wright something up for you right now.

 

I think that would have to take place in the distro review thread. As Zoid suggested i think it would b best to have it done by people using the distro currently (or have tried it extensively) to ensure that there is a diversity in opinions but they are organized and laid out, that would show the advantages/disadvantages while providing a short summery. For this to work I'm completely reliant on you guys posting reviews and experiences in the distro review thread. This way i can keep a list of a lot more distro's and not be reliant on distrowatch.

 

Holey Moses! This is beautiful, Calvin - thank you for the hard work! While my first foray into linux-land ended, shall we say, less than satisfactorily, I've concluded that I will eventually be forced by MS to go to a non-MS operating system, perhaps sooner rather than later if I can't get something as simple as networking three flavors of XP together (my pseudo-rant is safely over in the Windows forum ).

That being the case, this is exactly the sort of comfy welcome-mat folks like me need to help us wean ourselves off of the Windows crutches. Thanks!

 

Thanks Shyster, on another note. What do you guys think about the new "This seems too good to be true..." section in the CAQ? I felt it was needed as although Linux is great, it has some downsides. Looking for extensive feedback.

 

I think that section is fine, but since this is geared mostly towards people who are new to Linux, you really should explain a bit about what Compiz is, and that it's just an unnecessary extra, not something they have to or may even choose not to deal with.

 

That's explained a little later in cool graphical effects section. Does it need revision?

 

Generalizing like this is just plain wrong. Videos on linux have never given me any problems for the past 5-6 years. Flash also runs perfect, and has never crashed firefox. With Compiz.
In fact, on my last laptop, I had difficulty playing videos on windows XP. In full screen mode videos would play choppy. In windows media player, in divX player. I could not figure out what the problem was. But in Linux they would play fine.
I was test driving Mint Live, and there also Flash gave no problems.

Linux does have its problems. I would say
1)wireless sometimes takes effort to configure/install,
2)video drivers/compiz sometimes take some poking to get right.
3)Suspend/hibernate are tricky to get right.
4)Undervolting takes work, and there are no nice utilities like in windows

 

Yeah, your going to have to at least explain Compiz as an unnecessary interface theme, so that people don't think that some core component of Linux is all screwed up. And they need to read this somewhere prior to reading what's bad about it. Do you see what I mean?

 

Calvin, it's no use asking mods to lock this thread because you don't like the tone in some replies.
Like it has been mentioned, your personal experience with (a) particular distro(s) is simply not relevant for a ratings system.
If you don't have 20 different laptops tested with numerous distro's, how can you judge hardware compatibility?
Why not simly post the 10-15 most popular from Distrowatch and describe your opinions on the ones you have used extensively?
Keep in mind that the free advice you give, by making this sticky, is virtually standard in the linux world.
Everything is free here so you won't get the Oooh's and Aaaah's like in the Windows threads.
I know you mean well but I also know you're, how shall I put it, a bit of a black and white person? It's either good or bad and not much in between.
Don't take the criticism too personally, it's only meant to make this sticky more valuable.
Cheers.