I need a use for Linux

[adamb10]

After switching to my mac mini as my primary machine, I cant think of a use for Linux. I dont need it for a desktop system, configuring a linux server is not easy.


What else could I use Linux for?

[Rackerz]

Not much else I could think of Linux doing there. It's a good desktop system and the mac mini seems to have fulfilled your needs there.

[fuscia]

you could dual boot on the mini and see if one developes. or, you may find you like linux better than osx.

[Sp@z]

dual boot is prolly the best Idea. I use linux just to read these forums because I feel all guilty for doing it in windoze! LOL

[xequence]

If you need to ask on a forum for a use for linux, you might want to consider not using it =P

Seriously, it doesent matter what OS you use as long as it works for you.

[Puptentacle]

Planet Penguin Racer? :D

[Lovechild]

Mac Minis run Linux you know..

You need Linux if you enjoy freedom, openness and security. If you are okay with a platform you have no control over nor insight into it's detailed workings. A system where there could be backdoors which the controllers don't tell you about and you'll never discover unless someone smarter than the authors finds it and uses it against YOU. If you want the change the system, you are out in the cold because you don't own the system which runs on your hardware, this includes things that you might not support like TCPA and DRM technologies which aren't implemented for your protection, but for control of your use of your machine. But using a system like OS X you are implicitly supporting the use of closed standards causing the foundation for incompability with other systems and worse yet a market monopoly levellaged not on technical excellence but by lock-in.

That being said, Macs are nice well tested hardware and they make most excellent Linux manchines - I personally lust the MacBook Pro, but only for the purpose of running a version of Linux.

[Derek Djons]

After switching to my mac mini as my primary machine, I cant think of a use for Linux. I dont need it for a desktop system, configuring a linux server is not easy.


What else could I use Linux for?

Linux isn't just an application. Your story makes it sound like Linux is just some kind of add-on application. ;) People use Linux for several reasons of which freedom and security are two. But people also use it to:

1. Learn a new / other OS.
2. Play around with, get everything working, just for fun.
3. Building an alternative solution which would otherwise cost much money.

If you like Linux (in your situation) why don't you start learning how to setup a server. It isn't that very difficult. A few books can already push you in the right direction. Or are you able to work on Linux only? There are a lot of people who don't dare to abandon 'for Windows / Mac made' applications and still use Dual Boot. Can you work for 100% on Linux? :rolleyes:

In my case Linux has always been used to learn new a OS, knowledge. Use a better and Open Source alternative.

[stream303]

After switching to my mac mini as my primary machine, I cant think of a use for Linux. I dont need it for a desktop system, configuring a linux server is not easy.

What else could I use Linux for?

Let me put my love-beads on. You could look at Linux, and Ubuntu in particular, as more than just the sum of hardware/software packages. It can also be a great community that values your support and input.

[towsonu2003]

not sure if you have a second pc. if there is a second pc around, linux can be your firewall. or your sandbox.

if there is no second pc and you're happy w the existing OS, I wouldn;t use linux at that stage.

but if you're decided, dual boot and
*learn how to program open source stuff (and write us a cool game while you are there)
*learn how to audit (security) open source programs
*test beta programs / distros and give feedback (bugs)
*make your own distro from scratch
*use available free software not ported to Mac
*use as a fall back OS in case something happens to mac
*show off to friends (a scary dual boot screen)

[engla]

Inkscape runs nicer on this old box than in OS X on my 1.2G iBook.

Inkscape is a great application, you should try it.

[adamb10]

I infact do have a 2nd pc.

I tried running Ubuntu on OS X but it wasn't a pleasant experience. :p Mac mini is not powerful enough(or at least the video card) to handle it.