How switching my parents over to Linux saved me a lot of headache and support calls

Simon Frey Blog ^ | undated | simon frey

[daniel1212]

Linux is a little easier because you don’t need to travel to websites to get apps. We were able to set up our Java development VM’s with Linux off the shelf. But Linux is easier for neophytes and non-tech people because it isn’t simple to ruin your life unlike Windows. We went with Linux VM’s because Windows kept corrupting the development environment with updates and updates are required for network security. I won’t even get into the ease of getting pwn3d in Windows just by clicking on the wrong thing.

My experience with much-customized Windows and Linux has been quite the opposite, with more problems relative to use and less easily enabled customization, and harder to find solutions to problems (and Linux has'em) and scope of safe, quality comparable freeware and ease of getting it. And with only 2 viruses (under 98 and XP) in over 18 years of extensive Internet use and installations, thanks be to God. And with no antivirus software for most it (though Windows Defender runs once in a while now).

Just installed Linux 19.1 on a laptop, dual boot with W./7 (default Mint alongside install messed up the boot, and the first software install resulted in my first error on it, "It seems that the daemon failed." "Most likely the background daemon crashed.") But you like Linux and its all legal then fine, and the feeling should be mutual.

[daniel1212]

Yup, that’s the bug. For my system, I had originally purchased a Ryzen 7/1800, which consistently showed this problem. I had two choices: - RMA the processor to AMD - Use the extended warranty I purchased on the CPU for an on-the-spot replacement. Since the Ryzen 7/1800 was sold out, Micro Center provided me with a Ryzen 7/2700 as the replacement.

Good. I wanted to make sure you knew the options.

[daniel1212]

I'd like to find someway to return File Explorer to its Windows 7 hey days and make the Library the default view and not the Folder view.

I do not like Libraries, or even use MS default choices for documents.

I guess what I'd like to see in an operating system is just that, an operating system, no bells and whistles, just what it takes to make the computer run. Be able to load all the drivers, or enable them to be loaded. After the machine works, then let the user decide what they wanted loaded, empower the user.

I would say a major Linux distro does that for most, presuming it does not need drivers work which are only provided for Windows by the manufacturer.

But we both know Microsoft will never do that, and are doing their best to distance themselves from the kind of thinking

You mean all the start menu ads that I nuke? I just did a new install of Windows 10 (old one was on another drive) on a new $22.00 120GB SSD drive, and it installed everything including a inkjet printer and a laser copier/printer without me having to supply drivers, though the USB wireless needed the manufacturer to do dual band. But no ads seen, nor Cortana.

Linux I believe wants to do that, but the every day man or woman doesn't have the knowledge or skills to take a Linux distro and make it work. That's why an "out of the box" Linux distro for the Desktop PC is needed. Whoever can pull that off would probably rake in profits hand over fist.

You would have to provide details on why you feel a recent Linux Mint does not do that. My rejection of Linux is that I cannot get it to do certain things I easily can do with Windows.

[bobcat62]

Because the AM4 socket uses pins, I spent $30 on the extended warranty. First build & I was afraid I’d destroy the processor. This time the warranty was worth it.

[AppyPappy]

I can’t imagine a web/email user needing to customize an OS for anything. Our mainframe is Red Hat Linux and it never crashes. I have never really done anything on a Linux desktop other than install an occasional app. The home Linux box just does web/email and music through the Luxman receiver. It was my sister’s Windows laptop and it was so full of malware that I had to wipe the drive.

Most people that I help with Windows problems are infected. A poll in my Kiwanis club showed that 50% of them had fallen for scams, mostly on their computer. If you are never going to get infected, you don’t need Linux.

[daniel1212]

Because the AM4 socket uses pins, I spent $30 on the extended warranty. First build & I was afraid I’d destroy the processor. This time the warranty was worth it.

Oh I have one of those bent pins CPU, a AMD FX-6350 3.9GHz Six-Core AM3+ Processor no less. After removing the heat sink in the interest of cleaning it then it would not go one easily. I finally got it back on by loosening screws and then tightening therm, but no m,atter what I tried the system would not boot . Just fans.

Could not tell if it was the CPU (unlikely) or the ASRock 970 EXTREME3 Socket AM3+ mobo, so i ended up replacing both the mobo with a ASRock 970 EXTREME4 Socket AM3+ (since i wanted to make sure the same ram would work) and the CPU with a AMD FX-4350 4.2GHz Quad-Core AM3+ Processor (a downgrade).

I then carelessly (which was wrong) put the CPU in a draw, and latter something heavy fell on it and bent pins quite a bit. Tried to straighten them but they are very hard. Maybe i will try again. Still have the mobo also. I should have kept them together in a safer place. My mistake (and i should not waste the Lord's money).

The new system has run well overall thank God, and under heavy load of hundreds of tabs open in across multiple Firefox ESR (multiple tab rows) and other browsers and documents open, etc.