What you should not expect when switching to Linux

DarkDuck ^ | 17 September 2015 | Dmitry (Darkduck)

[angryoldfatman]

Simple answer: You download it off of the Internet, then burn it onto a DVD.

There are a huge number of different “versions” (i.e., “distributions” or “distros”) of Linux. There are also different graphic user interfaces (GUIs) that can be used inside these “versions”.

In comparison, there are only 3 viable versions of Windows (7, 8.x, and 10), and only one GUI per version.

If you’re wanting something close to Windows, I suggest going here:

http://www.linuxmint.com

If you’re unfamiliar with burning disk images (ISO files) onto DVDs, then you can actually order pre-made DVDs straight from the website:

https://www.osdisc.com/products/linux/linuxmint?affiliate=linuxmint

All you need is the Install DVD, everything else can be downloaded from a program that operates like Google Play or the iStore.

[Bikkuri]

I am running from an Android.. I am still trying to figure out how to run Mint :/
(am actually in an internet cafe, atm..) grr.. can’t install from USB, like I did on PC :p

Any advice?

[Bikkuri]

Have you checked out Blender? It’s 100% frr... not same as CAD, but much more flexible..

[ShadowAce]

I'm not familiar with tablets, so I have no advice on that front--sorry!

The good news is that Android is actually a version of Linux, so there really is no need to install a full distro on it, I would think.

[Stanwood_Dave]

I'm a former RedHat user (mid to late 1990's, if I remember correctly) my problem then was the word processor, I'll call WordPerfect look alike, which I found to be very lacking compared to the original WordPerfect. I'd guess you could say that I'm an advanced user of WordPerfect-7 and the options that you can use.

Just wondering out loud, if things have changed, ref: WordPerfect & Linux. Maybe just run Linux with a virtual windows program, similar to Windows-7 / virtual machine?

[ShadowAce]

Check out LibreOffice. Version 5 is very good. I use it exclusively, and my MS Office-using co-workers don't know the difference.

[aquila48]

Bookmark

[Bikkuri]

Been on PCs since 1980... Am DOS fan ;)
Hated Win (and Apple) when they came out :p.. HAD to adapt to Winblows in the early 90s.. Hacked about everything they put out (including the “necessary IR, which I succesfully wiped from my system without negatives, back in the ‘90s.. was a Netscape junkie)..

About 2000, I tried out Linux.. hated it.. (and about every 2 years after).. 2008, I found Mint, and loved it; dropped WinBlows.. assisted a few friends in crossing over from Mac and Win ;^)

NEVER had a prob with format/install.. until now... the micro USB whatever it’s called is NOT friendly :/ (Unix based OS, but not user friendly) :p ... someone needs to make a guide... and we open source ‘ottaku’ (geeks) can add on as it ages :p

[ducttape45]

I tried 3 different Linux OS's last week. None of them worked very well with my wireless mouse or keyboard, and only one of them gave me the ability to utilize all three of my monitors. The other two just cloned the main display.

Linux Mint, Ubuntu and PCLinuxOS were the ones I tried. Not impressed with any of them. I decided to reformat the spare drive and put Windows XP on it instead.

[Bikkuri]

BTW, I think I mentioned several years ago about a friend (about 2 decades older than me, and I was only about 18yo or so.. He could type ANYTHING in DOS, and screw up his whole system.. no kidding ;^)..).

He once asked me if it was ok to move his Tower (not even sure if they’re called that anymore).. He was scared the bits on the HD would fall to one side!! (I am 100% serious) ;)

Man, times have changed :p I loved it when only a few could work the PC... now it is all point and click, and most format their HD without knowing what they have done :/

I say, make Linux/Unix Mandatory so they don’t screw more up :p

[rdb3]

It’s cool that most things can now be done graphically, but I guess I’m just old school with *nix. CLI for me!

[Bikkuri]

btw, trying to figure out how to DL unetbootin and Mint to USB in net cafe.. hard with all of this Kanji >.<

[Bikkuri]

Java is a virus/trojan waiting to happen.. :/

[Bikkuri]

I got Photoshop to run on Linux through WINE.

[Stanwood_Dave]

I'm very impressed with what I see at, http://www.libreoffice.org/discover/libreoffice/

Thanks. I miss the option(s) ref: 8 (eight) different Desktop(s), each with a different wallpaper / background. If I recall, I had used the KDE Kernel, time to try again.

Again, thank you very much. :-)

[Bikkuri]

Man, I miss WordPerfect.. best there was, at the time.. (late 80s, early 90s)..

[Bikkuri]

Goback to Mint and use KDE.. I had NO problems with 3 monotors (remember to choose the nVid drivers instead of the installed).. You will have full control of your PC, but, remember, you will have to know HOW to control ;^)

[Arthur McGowan]

My computer is running Vista. I keep all my data on outboard HD’s. If I install Linux, does that wipe out all my applications?

[minnesota_bound]

I use CorelDraw myself. Mostly the Paint program. I have never come close to being a master of it. I have tried Photoshop but find Corel easier to use thought there are more how to’s for Photoshop. They can translate over to Corel.

GIMP is free and there are many video help how to’s to look at. Many at youtube.
GIMP 2.8 Tutorial Part 1 - The Basics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W88LB8clHrs

[minnesota_bound]

#14 Someone in a past posted this past month recommended LibreOffice. https://www.libreoffice.org/download/libreoffice-fresh/

I tried their Word version and it was identical as far as output with Word 2013 when I created a test file using tables, paragraphs, different fonts and sizes etc. then saved it as a Word doc. I would edit the doc in both programs and it looked identical and printed the same.

Tables are clumsy in LibreOffice (you gotta use a frame around a table). Much help found at youtube.