Comments on: I’m Going Back To Windows http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/ Linux. GNU. Freedom. Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:03:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7-hemorrhage hourly 1 By: portrait paintings http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-100229 portrait paintings Fri, 09 May 2008 06:06:03 +0000 http://www.pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-100229 If Linux is really true to its promises, threats such as this one shouldn’t be a bother. Linux and Windows both have their advantages and disadvantages. The important thing is, one must carefully determine whether or not Linux would best serve his/her desired purposes or jobs to be accomplished. If Linux is really true to its promises, threats such as this one shouldn’t be a bother. Linux and Windows both have their advantages and disadvantages. The important thing is, one must carefully determine whether or not Linux would best serve his/her desired purposes or jobs to be accomplished.

]]> By: Oil Portrait paintin http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-98734 Oil Portrait paintin Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:01:40 +0000 http://www.pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-98734 You just hit me bull’s eye. I was once using Linux. I admit I found it a little difficult to handle compared to Microsoft. But the truth is, it was difficult because I was resistant to change. Resistance towards change makes something new difficult for us to handle. Are these people who are threatening Linux people to go back to Microsoft long-term users or are they just newbies? If they’re newbies then expect that they will really look for something that’s as user-friendly as Microsoft. You just hit me bull’s eye. I was once using Linux. I admit I found it a little difficult to handle compared to Microsoft. But the truth is, it was difficult because I was resistant to change. Resistance towards change makes something new difficult for us to handle. Are these people who are threatening Linux people to go back to Microsoft long-term users or are they just newbies? If they’re newbies then expect that they will really look for something that’s as user-friendly as Microsoft.

]]> By: t-shirts http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-89651 t-shirts Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:16:38 +0000 http://www.pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-89651 Well here's my two sense. I bought a new laptop with VISTA pre-installed, expecting to see it do (and operate) like I saw on the adverts, videos etc. Only to find out that I don't get any of the cool features because I only have 'home' edition (like, there's some major difference? and why?) So I have to pay a fair amount of money just to get some extra security, usability, and cool features? why? Now, after 6 months, I've finally taken the leap and installed Linux Ubuntu on my laptop. Here's what I have to say : WOW. Not just because of the cool features that Compiz brings (this is the first time I've used virtual desktops – and they're brilliant. Why the heck did they bother not even putting virtual desktops into Vista?) But it's also brilliant because everything just WORKS. Seriously. Fine, I've had some trouble with my suspend, but the operating system just works easily. Installations have been seamless. Getting my 3G Vodafone card to work, seamless (it took some trouble on Windows), getting networking to work, simple. Any slight issue i've had has had quick and simple answers on the ubuntuforum.org. Any problems I had with windows had NO answers on Microsoft or their unhelpful forums. Why anyone would go back to Windows is beyond me. I think it's because they were wanting something 'new' in an OS, but in actual fact just wanted Windows with a cool desktop. With Ubuntu, I'm getting FAR more than that! As someone else said about Ubuntu vs Vista : Ubuntu goes out of the way to get out of your way. Vista goes out of it's way to insist on it's way. 'Nuff said. Well here’s my two sense. I bought a new laptop with VISTA pre-installed, expecting to see it do (and operate) like I saw on the adverts, videos etc.
Only to find out that I don’t get any of the cool features because I only have ‘home’ edition (like, there’s some major difference? and why?)
So I have to pay a fair amount of money just to get some extra security, usability, and cool features? why?
Now, after 6 months, I’ve finally taken the leap and installed Linux Ubuntu on my laptop.
Here’s what I have to say : WOW. Not just because of the cool features that Compiz brings (this is the first time I’ve used virtual desktops – and they’re brilliant. Why the heck did they bother not even putting virtual desktops into Vista?) But it’s also brilliant because everything just WORKS. Seriously. Fine, I’ve had some trouble with my suspend, but the operating system just works easily. Installations have been seamless. Getting my 3G Vodafone card to work, seamless (it took some trouble on Windows), getting networking to work, simple. Any slight issue i’ve had has had quick and simple answers on the ubuntuforum.org. Any problems I had with windows had NO answers on Microsoft or their unhelpful forums.
Why anyone would go back to Windows is beyond me. I think it’s because they were wanting something ‘new’ in an OS, but in actual fact just wanted Windows with a cool desktop. With Ubuntu, I’m getting FAR more than that!
As someone else said about Ubuntu vs Vista : Ubuntu goes out of the way to get out of your way. Vista goes out of it’s way to insist on it’s way. ‘Nuff said.

]]> By: trademark registration http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-76780 trademark registration Sun, 11 Nov 2007 05:39:25 +0000 http://www.pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-76780 It frustrates me to no end that software is so hard to install on Linux. You’d think somebody would have come up with a better way. For all of Windows’ flaws, painful software installs are not among them. While this does open the door for installing something sinister, it does allow most users to install software and work. When I encounter these types of issues in Linux, I spend more time configuring my software than actually using it. It frustrates me to no end that software is so hard to install on Linux. You’d think somebody would have come up with a better way.

For all of Windows’ flaws, painful software installs are not among them. While this does open the door for installing something sinister, it does allow most users to install software and work. When I encounter these types of issues in Linux, I spend more time configuring my software than actually using it.

]]> By: Justin http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-71679 Justin Sun, 07 Oct 2007 09:49:00 +0000 http://www.pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-71679 I switched from Windows to Linux many times.. until about 2004, after that I stayed on Linux. Sure Linux is different but I have choice and I do not have to worry about what is going to happen from my machine in a week from now - I know that it will be working (save for a hardware failure) unlike Windows which keeps you in a constant state of panic... With Windows if it's not Virus'es it's spyware - if its not that it's strange errors or shutdowns.. problem after problem.. Viva la Linux! I switched from Windows to Linux many times.. until about 2004, after that I stayed on Linux.

Sure Linux is different but I have choice and I do not have to worry about what is going to happen from my machine in a week from now - I know that it will be working (save for a hardware failure) unlike Windows which keeps you in a constant state of panic…

With Windows if it’s not Virus’es it’s spyware - if its not that it’s strange errors or shutdowns.. problem after problem..

Viva la Linux!

]]> By: Andrew Ward http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-68832 Andrew Ward Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:35:30 +0000 http://www.pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-68832 The argument that Linux can't have a windows like control panel is rubbish. The Apple Mac OS X operating system is built on top of a classic UNIX foundation. Artists use it, Scientists use it my kids use it. It works just fine and there is ample evidence that the Linux community is going this way. Windows is losing market share to Apple and Linux and to open software in general. So lets drop the IQ test standard for what is a good operating system and look at the simple metric of what quality work product can I deliver with minimum hassle and minimum cost. To me this equates to VALUE. Mac OS and Linux have been proven to deliver high value to a vast number of individual users and a rapidly swelling group of corporate and university users. From another perspective, the roots of Mac OS X and Linux are true mainframe computers that required a robust and reliable OS. We all reap the rewards from the increased performance of CPUs that they now can run somewhat involved OS's. the roots of MS Windows is MS DOS which was derived from CPM an OS used on hobby computers and its origins still haunt us today. No Main Frame OS would be acceptable if it required rebooting as the first diagnostic step. Yet millions of Windows users do this every day. I haev a Linux box at home that has been up and running for over a year (It is in Houston and I live 8,000 miles away. Way too far to reboot). My windows server running on comperable hardware can't stay up for more than a few weeks without a reboot. These are simple xeroxable facts. Windows has market share but its losing share to easier to use and more robust operating systems. One final note in this rant... one of the reasons MS windows corporate technical "hand holding" service is necessary is that the OS is source of the hidden. With open source much is revealed enough in most instances that the staffing required for OS level support is much less... user support will persist and in a linux / mac environment may even be a greater, but to the bean counters the net cost will be less. And, that is what matters. Again... VALUE. Linux and Mac OS X add value to the enterprise. they provide an opportunity and foster growth. Nuff said. MS Windows must become more Linux like to survive. The argument that Linux can’t have a windows like control panel is rubbish. The Apple Mac OS X operating system is built on top of a classic UNIX foundation. Artists use it, Scientists use it my kids use it. It works just fine and there is ample evidence that the Linux community is going this way. Windows is losing market share to Apple and Linux and to open software in general. So lets drop the IQ test standard for what is a good operating system and look at the simple metric of what quality work product can I deliver with minimum hassle and minimum cost. To me this equates to VALUE. Mac OS and Linux have been proven to deliver high value to a vast number of individual users and a rapidly swelling group of corporate and university users.

From another perspective, the roots of Mac OS X and Linux are true mainframe computers that required a robust and reliable OS. We all reap the rewards from the increased performance of CPUs that they now can run somewhat involved OS’s. the roots of MS Windows is MS DOS which was derived from CPM an OS used on hobby computers and its origins still haunt us today. No Main Frame OS would be acceptable if it required rebooting as the first diagnostic step. Yet millions of Windows users do this every day. I haev a Linux box at home that has been up and running for over a year (It is in Houston and I live 8,000 miles away. Way too far to reboot). My windows server running on comperable hardware can’t stay up for more than a few weeks without a reboot. These are simple xeroxable facts. Windows has market share but its losing share to easier to use and more robust operating systems. One final note in this rant… one of the reasons MS windows corporate technical “hand holding” service is necessary is that the OS is source of the hidden. With open source much is revealed enough in most instances that the staffing required for OS level support is much less… user support will persist and in a linux / mac environment may even be a greater, but to the bean counters the net cost will be less. And, that is what matters. Again… VALUE. Linux and Mac OS X add value to the enterprise. they provide an opportunity and foster growth.

Nuff said.

MS Windows must become more Linux like to survive.

]]> By: Do windows users know? - The Nybble http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-68830 Do windows users know? - The Nybble Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:16:18 +0000 http://www.pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-68830 [...] It seems like someone has had similar thoughts to [...] [...] It seems like someone has had similar thoughts to [...]

]]> By: Website Design http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-68768 Website Design Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:26:36 +0000 http://www.pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-68768 I've heard it a ton before as well. But at the same time, being a linux user, there have been plenty of times where running windows would have just been easier. But I simply enjoy linux, and that enjoyment I find clearly can't be for everyone. To each his own. (same with mac users) LIVE AND LET LIVE I’ve heard it a ton before as well. But at the same time, being a linux user, there have been plenty of times where running windows would have just been easier. But I simply enjoy linux, and that enjoyment I find clearly can’t be for everyone. To each his own. (same with mac users) LIVE AND LET LIVE

]]> By: Ed Waters http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-68750 Ed Waters Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:14:32 +0000 http://www.pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-68750 Sorry to burst your bubble "Jake" but Microsoft didn't set out to make computers easier to use. Ask anyone who was forced to use crappy MS compilers when Borland compilers were around. And that's just one example. Sorry to burst your bubble “Jake” but Microsoft didn’t set out to make computers easier to use. Ask anyone who was forced to use crappy MS compilers when Borland compilers were around. And that’s just one example.

]]> By: Randy_thedrummer http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-68692 Randy_thedrummer Tue, 11 Sep 2007 03:25:54 +0000 http://www.pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-68692 Great post. Due to having a Music Digital Audio workstation, that requires windows, i'm pretty much forced to use it. I have to be careful though. I like to think of my windows/recording computer as a little, immature child that is not allowed to go out and play on the dangerous internet because he or she could be in great danger. What i mean, Is when it's time to record on the Windows box, i pull the network plug, just for sure safety. I'm a newer linux user, and i recently installed Ubuntu on a new hard drive. While Windows XP Couldn't even recognize my new SATA Hard drive, Linux formatted it and now runs off it! That alone, blew my mind. My wireless network USB device, that has a bunch of required drivers for Windows also SIMPLY WORKED immediately after the intstall. I honestly don't think it can be any easier than that - And keep in mind, I'm a total Linux NOOB! I think everybody should re-read this post and think before you make any negative comments. This is well-written. Nice Job, Aaron. Great post. Due to having a Music Digital Audio workstation, that requires windows, i’m pretty much forced to use it. I have to be careful though. I like to think of my windows/recording computer as a little, immature child that is not allowed to go out and play on the dangerous internet because he or she could be in great danger. What i mean, Is when it’s time to record on the Windows box, i pull the network plug, just for sure safety. I’m a newer linux user, and i recently installed Ubuntu on a new hard drive. While Windows XP Couldn’t even recognize my new SATA Hard drive, Linux formatted it and now runs off it! That alone, blew my mind. My wireless network USB device, that has a bunch of required drivers for Windows also SIMPLY WORKED immediately after the intstall. I honestly don’t think it can be any easier than that - And keep in mind, I’m a total Linux NOOB! I think everybody should re-read this post and think before you make any negative comments. This is well-written. Nice Job, Aaron.

]]> By: Chiron613 http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-67179 Chiron613 Fri, 31 Aug 2007 04:48:45 +0000 http://www.pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-67179 There is no more reason to require a computer user to know computers, than there is a television user to learn electronics. That should always be an option, not a requirement. Much as I love to program and play around with my OS, this is not generally considered a good time by most people. Really - it's true. There are actually some people who just want to use computers, without having to learn shell scripting or Perl or C. What I like about Linux is what I dislike about Windows. Linux allows you to get under the hood and play around with things, tweaking and hacking to your heart's delight. Windows "protects" you from such things, meaning that if something breaks, it's much more difficult to fix it. Unfortunately, Linux has historically *required* you to learn far more than necessary about your OS, just to make it go. That is neither necessary nor even desirable. There is no good reason to require the use of the command line. Make it available, great. Force people to use it, and you'll lose them. That's kind of like making TV's that don't quite work, but you can easily add a capacitor or coil to get the right frequency. Those TV companies encourage users getting dumb about electronics, by doing it for them. This problem has basically changed with Ubuntu 7.04. That was a snap to install, and did not require more from me than knowing what time zone I was in, and choosing a user name and password. A user would not be compelled to use the command line, at least with the hardware I had. This is the first Linux distro I could recommend to a friend in good conscience, someone who didn't know or care about computers. As for going back to Windows - like that's going to hurt me somehow... It's like saying, "I'll show you, I'll stick a cigarette in my eye." I don't like to see people hurt themselves, but hey, it's their eye... There is no more reason to require a computer user to know computers, than there is a television user to learn electronics. That should always be an option, not a requirement. Much as I love to program and play around with my OS, this is not generally considered a good time by most people. Really - it’s true. There are actually some people who just want to use computers, without having to learn shell scripting or Perl or C.

What I like about Linux is what I dislike about Windows. Linux allows you to get under the hood and play around with things, tweaking and hacking to your heart’s delight. Windows “protects” you from such things, meaning that if something breaks, it’s much more difficult to fix it.

Unfortunately, Linux has historically *required* you to learn far more than necessary about your OS, just to make it go. That is neither necessary nor even desirable. There is no good reason to require the use of the command line. Make it available, great. Force people to use it, and you’ll lose them. That’s kind of like making TV’s that don’t quite work, but you can easily add a capacitor or coil to get the right frequency. Those TV companies encourage users getting dumb about electronics, by doing it for them.

This problem has basically changed with Ubuntu 7.04. That was a snap to install, and did not require more from me than knowing what time zone I was in, and choosing a user name and password. A user would not be compelled to use the command line, at least with the hardware I had. This is the first Linux distro I could recommend to a friend in good conscience, someone who didn’t know or care about computers.

As for going back to Windows - like that’s going to hurt me somehow… It’s like saying, “I’ll show you, I’ll stick a cigarette in my eye.” I don’t like to see people hurt themselves, but hey, it’s their eye…

]]> By: Amy Rose http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-55607 Amy Rose Wed, 06 Jun 2007 10:37:17 +0000 http://www.pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-55607 I know I'm not a CS or IT geek or anything, but I use Kubuntu as my only OS and would never dream of saying "I'm going back to Windows!" Why? 1. Speed: The latest release still works on my older computer (c. 1998) and my decent (made in 2003) laptop. 2. Stability: I couldn't dream of going back to an OS that crashes when I open more than 5 windows! M$ says Windows has preemptive multitasking, but that's not at all what I saw on it... 3. Efficiency: The CLI is a very useful tool if you get used to it. :) But I know how to do pretty much anything without touching it, but it's easier than clicking on 10 different icons sometimes. So yes, I use the terminal a lot, but it's because it's what I want to use. Even compiling software from source can be done without the terminal with programs like "kompile" and "kconfigure", but it's just easier to use the terminal. 4. It looks better. KDE has a very nice set of themes for it, and the Luxi Sans font makes a beautiful UI font. 5. More free software for it. Seriously, if I need a new program, chances are I'll find something in the package manager. And the one that many won't believe... 6. Darn it, KDE is SO much easier to use than Windows ever was for me... I'm dead serious. ^_^ Why doesn't Windows normally have a "no to all" button, for example? Why doesn't Windows have Konqueror's file filtering tool? Hmm? Linux is great for Windows users, but people need to learn to get used to it. They need to learn to look up their applications on www.linuxeq.com or some other equivalency list rather than moaning "Why isn't Photoshop on Linux?" or other related things... That's just my 2¢ on the subject. I know I’m not a CS or IT geek or anything, but I use Kubuntu as my only OS and would never dream of saying “I’m going back to Windows!” Why?

1. Speed: The latest release still works on my older computer (c. 1998) and my decent (made in 2003) laptop.

2. Stability: I couldn’t dream of going back to an OS that crashes when I open more than 5 windows! M$ says Windows has preemptive multitasking, but that’s not at all what I saw on it…

3. Efficiency: The CLI is a very useful tool if you get used to it. :) But I know how to do pretty much anything without touching it, but it’s easier than clicking on 10 different icons sometimes. So yes, I use the terminal a lot, but it’s because it’s what I want to use. Even compiling software from source can be done without the terminal with programs like “kompile” and “kconfigure”, but it’s just easier to use the terminal.

4. It looks better. KDE has a very nice set of themes for it, and the Luxi Sans font makes a beautiful UI font.

5. More free software for it. Seriously, if I need a new program, chances are I’ll find something in the package manager.

And the one that many won’t believe…

6. Darn it, KDE is SO much easier to use than Windows ever was for me… I’m dead serious. ^_^ Why doesn’t Windows normally have a “no to all” button, for example? Why doesn’t Windows have Konqueror’s file filtering tool? Hmm?

Linux is great for Windows users, but people need to learn to get used to it. They need to learn to look up their applications on http://www.linuxeq.com or some other equivalency list rather than moaning “Why isn’t Photoshop on Linux?” or other related things…

That’s just my 2¢ on the subject.

]]> By: mike piasecki http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-53641 mike piasecki Thu, 24 May 2007 12:42:48 +0000 http://www.pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-53641 The mentality that I see over and over again, especially in the post, is that if GNU/Linux isn't the solution for you, you are less of an end user because of it. This is not the users fault. Usually in my experiences it has nothing to do with the quality of GNU/Linux its self, but the lack of backing by big name applications. In this I whole heartedly agree. Most applications of GNU/Linux, though usually a quality product, lacks accessible documentation besides the man pages. There aren't very many applications that really go into the detail of how to get the most out of using them. Read up on Scribus for example. Their site has sparse documentation and running $man scribus..well yeah iy'd helpfull to know where the config files are and how to file a bug report, but once developers stop squashing bugs and start adding features I'm sure the influx of users or in your case, respectable human beings worth anything, will steadily rise. Then and only then can you reap the fruits of chastising "noobs" anytime anywhere to further feed the notion that the majority of GNU/Linux users and developers are immature blowhards. The mentality that I see over and over again, especially in the post, is that if GNU/Linux isn’t the solution for you, you are less of an end user because of it. This is not the users fault. Usually in my experiences it has nothing to do with the quality of GNU/Linux its self, but the lack of backing by big name applications. In this I whole heartedly agree. Most applications of GNU/Linux, though usually a quality product, lacks accessible documentation besides the man pages. There aren’t very many applications that really go into the detail of how to get the most out of using them. Read up on Scribus for example. Their site has sparse documentation and running $man scribus..well yeah iy’d helpfull to know where the config files are and how to file a bug report, but once developers stop squashing bugs and start adding features I’m sure the influx of users or in your case, respectable human beings worth anything, will steadily rise. Then and only then can you reap the fruits of chastising “noobs” anytime anywhere to further feed the notion that the majority of GNU/Linux users and developers are immature blowhards.

]]> By: S_Williams http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-49449 S_Williams Wed, 02 May 2007 04:19:52 +0000 http://www.pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-49449 I'm going back to Linux...(but my new pc isn't willing) I was so excited to get the Dapper Drake CD's, the real deal,(I didn't burn them... :) unfortunately I can't get them to boot, I have a Compaq Presario, (HP) with Pheonix award bios. something in the bios forces a reboot after the ubuntu cd begins uncompressing. tried different cd's, I have downloaded, burnt iso's of several other distros, same result. loads on an old box I have ran puppy linux and dsl on but need more ram,I searched the forums there at Ubuntu,(and googled it) and found a couple more posts with similar problem but no solution. there are many of these pc's out there, hopefully more will convert from windows and need the fix as well. I have tried changing all bios setting I can think of, pwr mgmnt. plug and play etc...If anyone knows the fix, could you please post it? or over at the Ubuntu forum I mean, #(sorry to post off topic slightly here) Thanks :) I’m going back to Linux…(but my new pc isn’t willing) I was so excited to get the Dapper Drake CD’s, the real deal,(I didn’t burn them… :) unfortunately I can’t get them to boot, I have a Compaq Presario, (HP) with Pheonix award bios. something in the bios forces a reboot after the ubuntu cd begins uncompressing. tried different cd’s, I have downloaded, burnt iso’s of several other distros, same result. loads on an old box I have ran puppy linux and dsl on but need more ram,I searched the forums there at Ubuntu,(and googled it) and found a couple more posts with similar problem but no solution. there are many of these pc’s out there, hopefully more will convert from windows and need the fix as well. I have tried changing all bios setting I can think of, pwr mgmnt. plug and play etc…If anyone knows the fix, could you please post it? or over at the Ubuntu forum I mean, #(sorry to post off topic slightly here)
Thanks :)

]]> By: Aaron http://pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-48220 Aaron Mon, 23 Apr 2007 16:34:32 +0000 http://www.pthree.org/2007/04/04/im-going-back-to-windows/#comment-48220 Matthew Kimber- Welcome back! I was beginning to wonder if you had fallen off the Earth or something. :) Agreed- The mission isn't to prove one's leetness, but rather, get the task at hand accomplished. As a human race, we are inherently lazy, and would like accomplishing that task to be as easy as possible, with the most minimal amount of effort. Disagreed- Linux *is* for the masses, in it's current state. There is absolutely no reason why *not* to make the switch, minus 1 or 2 applications, such as CAD or video editing, but then, those users aren't the "masses", now are they? Rigbie- Yes, this comment thread is getting quite lengthy, and I'm not helping by replying. Documentation is the Achilles heel in the Linux community, no question. However, I would dare to say that it is 10x better than anything existing with any other operating system. Matthew Kimber- Welcome back! I was beginning to wonder if you had fallen off the Earth or something. :)

Agreed- The mission isn’t to prove one’s leetness, but rather, get the task at hand accomplished. As a human race, we are inherently lazy, and would like accomplishing that task to be as easy as possible, with the most minimal amount of effort.

Disagreed- Linux *is* for the masses, in it’s current state. There is absolutely no reason why *not* to make the switch, minus 1 or 2 applications, such as CAD or video editing, but then, those users aren’t the “masses”, now are they?

Rigbie- Yes, this comment thread is getting quite lengthy, and I’m not helping by replying.

Documentation is the Achilles heel in the Linux community, no question. However, I would dare to say that it is 10x better than anything existing with any other operating system.

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