Easing into Linux

[hertfordkc]

I've programmed for over 30 years in various languages, installed several operating systems (including RH5.2), and I think that the whole Linux process is needlessly complicated. This forum is a great place for the IT pros to get obscure questions answered, but for somebody tired of Bill Gates, it's difficult to find out that Open Office, gnucash, gimp, gphoto, and Mozilla will probably substitute nicely for their Windows box. Couldn't RH, Mandrake, et al, package a pushbutton install for the common apps on Dell, HP, and Gateway? Could you tailor a forum to address that. There are a lot of people willing to leave planned obselescence and blue screens, but they're not willing to spend a day or so absorbing a manual and then several more days in the forums trying to figure out why something isn't working.
And why do the latest releases recommend 128M? :confused:

[warren612001]

If your last Linux install was RH 5.2 then a lot has happened scince then try RH 8.0 or Mandrake 9.0 both will install as easy or easer then windows. If you buy from the manufacture instead of downloading you should get disks that don't have errors and most all will work. :D

[hertfordkc]

I've been waiting for apps.
I've invested a lot of hours arriving at a point where I now think they are available. However, I'm now faced with not knowing how they'll work with gnome or KDE, more hours of research....
Right before I posted to this thread, I found out that RH8 and Mandrake recommend 128M. I have 96M. Shall I plow on expecting it to work despite their warnings?
I'm retired so I'll probably continue, but most people aren't as stubborn as I am. I tried to post a more lucid explanation, but got axed.
BTW, today's news: Virus hits Windows 2000 servers, and today's Dibert certainly pointed to Linux.:p

[JohnT]

All applications have system requirements, regardless of the operating system. It's the responsibility of the software producer to inform users of said requirements. It is then your resonsibility to insure your hardware and software meet or exceed these requirements.

And why do the latest releases recommend 128M?

The same reason any OS would for optimization of running processes. Linux will run on less, but you have to cutback on some cpu and memory intensive applications.

Couldn't RH, Mandrake, et al, package a pushbutton install for the common apps on Dell, HP, and Gateway?

There are multitudes of Linux distros to choose from to suit your particular taste.
MDK and RH and several others address your push button installs, to a degree, I will say. What is push-button or one person is not so the other.

[hertfordkc]

All I'm trying to say is that I believe the entire Linux scene is more complicated than it needs to be for the basic Windows user. Therefore, most of them won't spend the time needed to carry it off. Until the process becomes easier, all they'll hear are the pros bragging about the wonders of Linux...but it's not for mere mortals. javascript:smilie(':rolleyes:')
As a geek, Linux is cool.
As a user, I'm not convinced.

[JohnT]

Linux will always be difficult for the " basic Windows user". Windows is difficult for the basic user.

[BaVinic]

Originally posted by hertfordkc
All I'm trying to say is that I believe the entire Linux scene is more complicated than it needs to be for the basic Windows user. Therefore, most of them won't spend the time needed to carry it off. Until the process becomes easier, all they'll hear are the pros bragging about the wonders of Linux...but it's not for mere mortals. javascript:smilie(':rolleyes:')
As a geek, Linux is cool.
As a user, I'm not convinced.

I have said this on many of thread, and I am still of the same mind now, Linux is not for the "common" windows user, it requires too much work, even at the basic level. People who just want to surf the web, send an e-mail, or write a letter should stick with what works. Windows. but if you have the mind set, to learn what your computer can really do, and how well it can do it, and you have the time to put into it, then Linux is for you.

I believe that windows has it's place, and that is in the home of those who would rather not think about how to do something, but get right to doing it. that is not everyone. I for one, would rather spend 24 hours installing an app, then to just point and click. but that is me, and that is not for everyone either.

In short, Linux can be used by anyone, just so long as they have the drive to follow through with it, it's the ones who try it, and then compalin that it is not Windows, that should stay away from it.

that's my opinion.

BaVinic

[hertfordkc]

Windows is a buggy, nonsecure subset of Linux with random bits of logic removed and planned obselesence inserted. The current Linux focus is on its flexibility and "ITS NOT FOR EVERYONE". Well, no, the Windows users could care less about a lot of Linux' neat features and all of the things that you can do with the keyboard commands and the WEIrd5x.aor driver. So, in the interest of making Linux a focus of attention and development, why doesn't RH package an installation that is aimed at giving Windows users a look and feel that they can live with, and most of the apps they need. I've researched enough to believe that Linux has reached that point, but I haven't done it yet because...I still digging and I only have 96 M.javascript:smilie(':)')