Linux O/S

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Any users?

Just bought a couple of mini laptops for the kids and it seems an awful hassle to do the most basic things, like changing wallpaper etc

It has linpus linux lite version installed. Anyone used any of the other Linus O/S and can recommend something better but user friendly for the kids?

Cheers.

[Danno13]

SuSe is pretty easy to get your head round. They all have a bit of a learning curve though when you're used to Windows. Once you're over that though, you'll wonder why you found it difficult.

I've not used Linpus before so not sure how it compares...

[Jiggles]

Kubuntu simple and brilliant! IMO Free as well :)

[nigelwright7557]

As a programmer I wouldnt touch Linux with a very long barge pole.

For me Windows is the only way to go, the number of programs available to Windows is vast.

If your happy with a simple PC doing simple jobs then Linux is an option...

[Danno13]

I think you're a bit behind the times then Nigel.

I did a year of a Computer Science course at a good uni and most of it was taught on Linux (or Unix) systems.

I'd guess about 60-70% of the internet relies on Linux based Servers too.. so they can't be that bad!

[Tom]

I'd guess about 60-70% of the internet relies on Linux based Servers too.. so they can't be that bad!

I agree. My website is on a Linux server as I was advised not to put it on a windows server.

[BeerFunk]

I think you're a bit behind the times then Nigel.

I did a year of a Computer Science course at a good uni and most of it was taught on Linux (or Unix) systems.

I'd guess about 60-70% of the internet relies on Linux based Servers too.. so they can't be that bad!
I agree. My website is on a Linux server as I was advised not to put it on a windows server.That has no relevance to the target user here though, does it (if you read the original post)?? :)

As much as I dislike Microsoft and their monopoly, Windows is the only viable choice for the average PC user.

[Tom]

That has no relevance to the target user here though, does it (if you read the original post)?? :)

As much as I dislike Microsoft and their monopoly, Windows is the only viable choice for the average PC user.

Yeah, I agree with that. :o

Would it be possible to change Linux to windows and get a 3 pc licence or how many laptops you have???

[Creature]

download susi 10.3 then pm ya email addy over and ill send ya susi 10.3 for dummies (in pdf format) makes it so easy :):)

I spent ages trying to get to grips with it then found the susi for dummies manual things taht i couldnt do i got done in a matter of minutes.

I took the plunge last year seriously and very rarely use windows now ! only when im transfering or looking for old stuff

[Danno13]

That has no relevance to the target user here though, does it (if you read the original post)??

You're right, but it does have relevance to what Nigel posted.


Would it be possible to change Linux to windows and get a 3 pc licence or how many laptops you have???

From my own experience with Microsoft they won't be that flexible unless your licensing 100+ PCs at once.

[jamesh]

As a programmer I wouldnt touch Linux with a very long barge pole.

For me Windows is the only way to go, the number of programs available to Windows is vast.

If your happy with a simple PC doing simple jobs then Linux is an option...

as others have said in the "home PC" market yes windows is still king at the moment BUT give it time... as apple and linux get more popular and have less viruses associated with them it will only be a matter or time before it's a more even playing field... In my opinion over the next 5 - 10 years microsoft wont be the daddy!

on the internet and anything that needs to be reliable and secure linux is the daddy...

But sorry darren not being a frequent user of linux i am of no help. :(

[Creature]

get a 3 pc licence or how many laptops you have???

3 liceneces would cost more than buying 3 copies of windows xp - but as they are now subject to avaialbility if teh laptops are not top spec then Linux is teh way to go

[Jiggles]

IF you do go for linux and fins that you need a windows program then use WINE to run it :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

The point is guys, is that the laptops are small cheapies http://www.acerdirect.co.uk/ACER_ASPIRE_ONE__A110L_-_512MB_-_8GB_-_Blue_LU.S030A.096/version.asp and the reason I'm asking about the O/S is because I had a problem with one of them yesterday and am fairly computer literate and can fix 'most' day to day problems, but found this O/S very difficult to get into to change anything and look at system details.

It seems everything you need to do from changing the screen saver to printing on the network requires extra software and drivers.

[Jiggles]

Daz thats just the Asus Eeepc. you could of gotten the XP versions for just abit more.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Daz thats just the Asus Eeepc. you could of gotten the XP versions for just abit more.

Er, no it isn't. It's an Acer Aspire One and I didn't want to pay 'a little bit more'. I had a budget of £200 for each laptop and actually got a deal and paid £180 each in the end.

I did look around, but the XP versions were about another £80 on each laptop, meaning an extra £160 for 2.

[djsteve10]

as others have said in the "home PC" market yes windows is still king at the moment BUT give it time... as apple and linux get more popular and have less viruses associated with them it will only be a matter or time before it's a more even playing field... In my opinion over the next 5 - 10 years microsoft wont be the daddy!

on the internet and anything that needs to be reliable and secure linux is the daddy...

But sorry darren not being a frequent user of linux i am of no help. :(

I absolutley agree, I have looked at getting an apple mac laptop due to their relaibility and don't come with the day to day problems that windows has. Daz i have seen them mini laptops in carphone warehouse and i had a play and i found linux like a foreign land as i have used windows all my life. Great little machines if you are just wanting to go on the net with them though.

[Jiggles]

i found linux like a foreign land

You will be stuck with mac then :D

[djsteve10]

You will be stuck with mac then :D

I'm sure I will pick it up eventually just takes time, I really fancy a Mac Book Pro :D:D

[Daryll]

Darren.

Heres a link to the Linux equivalent of the popular windows programs.

http://wiki.linuxquestions.org/wiki/Linux_software_equivalent_to_Windows_software.

http://www.knoppix.net/is a Linux version you can download and run from the CD , just to get a feel for it .

Daryll

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Thanks Daryll - very useful.