I was not referring to how long it took you to post...Rather how long it would take me to cover all of the things you presented. That is simply some where that I am not willing to go...(Even though I am familiar with most of what you have posted) I don't have the time for that kind of thing. Thank you for the background you supplied for reference...But really it was not necessary. as most of what I have learned has come from people like you ...(on forums such as this)... who in some areas are more knowledgeable than I. I certainly do/did not see see you as another no-nothing wannabe. Really there is not very much that I like about windows...but I don't see it as third parties bailing them out. The third party companies are competing with Microsoft for the revenue that comes from their sponsors. That is why a European company had to take Microsoft to court (and won) to get them to reveal their code so that they would be able to write software that will work (well) on windows platforms. Ever wonder why Microsoft does not want you to get rid of the programs that are embedded into their operating systems? Ding, ding, ding. I have Ubuntu (Draper Drake) installed on this computer (Dual Boot) And although I liked it at first...I have since given up on it. One needs to have a good reason to work through the learning curve...which involves trying to make sense out of the way (most of) those who are familiar with Linux... Attempt to try and help you. I felt as though I needed a sledge hammer and a crowbar (in order to bring about an attitude adjustment) that would enable them to speak English in a format that I could understand. Not all people (want to) push their machines as hard as you do... In fact the large majority of them don't... As of this month I am officially a senior citizen...and I spend a lot of my time helping those (both young and old) who have no desire to go where you have gone. I am glad to hear that you are able to enjoy the Linux enviorment. Apparently it meets your needs, and I am happy (for you) that you are content with that.
Ubuntu is... a special case. In many ways I'd say it's the worst Linux distro out there. Personally I run Debian on my workstations, CentOS on my servers, and currently IPCop on my firewall/router. If Ubuntu doesn't suit your needs (it certainly doesn't suit mine), I'd encourage you to hang in there and try a few new distros. Being a senior citizen is certainly no reason to stop learning. In fact, when you do, that's when you start going senile! (Not intended in disrespect at all, just an observation). With the human mind, it's a "use it or lose it" situation. But if Windows works well enough for you, that's fine. To me though it makes very little sense to learn and use a proprietary platform like Windows when it costs so much in time and money to maintain. This is true for users like me who really push their systems, but is it any less true for users who barely use their systems, or is it even more true? If you only use your rig for an hour a week, why spend the time and money on Windows?
I have been at this for a few years now...And although I do appreciate your comments... I think I would like to continue to use my mind helping others... Which is where I have found that I learn much more than I did before. I do not know a single soul who uses Linux, nor do I have much faith in succeeding at converting those I do know over to Linux, I find most folk to be preoccupied with other things in their lives, and not interested in looking for other operating systems. You buy a new PC today...you get windows... and that is what most people will use. And so it follows that those are the people who will eventually need help.
Well if you want to meet any look for lugs (Linux User Groups) in your area, most of the larger cities in scotland have one (as do alot of the universities) I find most folk don't care all that much what they use, but the people i have installed it for are (so far) very happy with the lack of problems that have had (no malware!) Thats not as true as it used to be, hell, even Tesco have been selling computers with Linux on them! Asus have even said that the 'eee' (a tiny ~£200 laptop running linux) is one of there most successful products ever... Even Dell are selling computers with Ubuntu installed. Even if you do buy a computer with windows installed, if you decline the license agreement (the one your forced to accept before you can use a new computer) then you can claim back the cost of windows and any other windows software installed on the machine from the OEM that made it.
I would not recommend Ubuntu Dapper Drake for a new Linux user. Sure it's an extremely stable and solid release, ideal for business workstations and servers, but later releases are much more user friendly. I'd recommend you give Ubuntu another try. Download the latest version, Gutsy Gibbon, or wait another month for Ubuntu's next Long Term Support release, Hardy Heron.
Thank you for the advice...I have spent the last couple of hours researching Gutsy Gibbon, and I am impressed. If I am going to be successful with a Linux OS... This link provides the kind of step by step intrusions that I will need The Perfect Desktop - Ubuntu 7.10 "Gutsy Gibbon" | HowtoForge - Linux Howtos and Tutorials I was unable to access that kind of help when I was trying Dapper Drake.
