Why do I need linux?

[xxhopingtearsxx]

I have been asking myself the same question over and over, "Why do I need linux?" I just don't know the answer to that, so maybe you can help me.

I'm just an average joe regular computer user. I chat, I listen to music, I browse the internet, and sharing photos. I never get viruses since I don't do a lot of risky crap on the computer. This laptop is the fastest one I've ever had to date, with 2GB of Ram. I finally have a computer with the hardware to run Vista, which is quite ugly tbh.

Here are things that are turning me off Linux.. and this is coming from the average joe user.

1. When I first started up, I saw an ugly brown desktop as the default. If I want to change my theme and icons, I have to download some themes and icons which I had extreme trouble doing as a regular user. The default theme of an operating system.. in my opinion.. is supposed to be good to look at, so someone gets a better first impression of it until they find out it's horrible.. like Windows ME.

2. As far as I can remember, the icons didn't stack in the taskbar. If I have two msn windows open, they just show up as two different windows in the taskbar. It gave me a headache. There's a reason why I switched to Windows XP in 2005.

3. Soulseek. I didn't see a good Soulseek client on Ubuntu, so if I wanted to use Soulseek, I'd have to go to Windows which isn't a very big deal.

4. Chat logging.. I'm a big moron who likes chat logging. I love the chat logging in MSN Plus and how they are text files. Every msn client I used was disappointing. Amsn used .log. When I went into the amsn to ask if there was a way I could use .html or .txt chat logging, I got a rude response on how .log is more superior. I don't give a rat's ***. I don't like how I have to get on amsn to view the chat logs and if I view a .log file on a text reader, it looks like a jumbled mix of letters next to each message. Kmess saves everytime you open a new window, giving you 1,000 or more chat logs a month. Pidgin does the same thing.
I didn't find a decent MSN client that had a good chat logging feature, and I know no one who can code a plugin to give amsn a good chat logging feature like I wanted.

Overall, I just didn't know why I would want to use Ubuntu if I already have a fast pc with everything I want. The only reason I could think of is that it's different, and it gives people a different impression of you if they see you walking around with an ubuntu sticker on your laptop. Those two stupid reasons are pretty much it. I want to use Ubuntu, but I don't know why I would.

[kansasnoob]

Who ever said you needed it?

Did any Linux salesman knock at your door?

If you don't like it just buy Windows or Mac!

In the meanwhile the rest of us will enjoy our favorite flavor of Linux ............... or in my case keep debating what is my favorite flavor of Linux:P

[Arup]

There are many alternative built in themes, you could have tried them out, you don't have to stick to default. There is altenative themes in synaptic as well, all easy to install and use.

Pidgin has logging on by default and does it without issues. No need to use aMSN unless you want video. There are many alternatives to soulseek.

No one wants to use Ubuntu just to put a sticker, most are sick and tired of Windows bloat and security issues, not to mention its good old slow down after few months of use issue.

Ubuntu and Linux is not for you, thats fine, but its fine for rest of us here who continue to use it and enjoy all the benefits we get.

[hellomoto]

I think that linux has to be something you want as a user, people can't tell you why you want it, thats something you have to decided. if your post was entitled "what are the benefits of using linux over windows?" I think you would get more replys to your thread.

Any linux distro you get will have pros & cons over windows + mac, but regardless of what linux distro you use, you will have to learn how to use it, just like you had to learn how to use windows in the first place. Its not hard to do but like I say its up to you!

[Cuco3]

At least the Suspend feature works on Windows.

[tysonh]

Well, all I can say is I like ubuntu because it challenges my ability to learn and master something new. If you already have everything you need I'm not sure I understand why you ever wasted the time to make a post for a operating system you don't intend on using.

At least in my estimation ubuntu far surpassing Winblows in every way. Every version of winblows has proven itself to be slow, bulky, buggy, and most important winblows loves to restrict what the owner can do.

But hey I guess if you like being told what you can and can't do with a operating system then winblows is for you buddy.

[qamelian]

At least the Suspend feature works on Windows.
It does on Ubuntu, as well, on both my desktop PC and my laptop.

If it isn't working for you, have you asked for help on the forum or filed a bug relating to your specific hardware?

[Cuco3]

Winblows? LoL that's pretty childish right there.

[xxhopingtearsxx]

There are many alternative built in themes, you could have tried them out, you don't have to stick to default. There is altenative themes in synaptic as well, all easy to install and use.
I did install a theme. I said it was very difficult for an average user like me. But I still didn't give up and eventually got a theme installed thanks to the help of a friend. This whole thread was about why should an average computer user like me want to use Ubuntu?

[DivisionMatrix]

umm, I set up the ubuntu satanic theme in under 10 minutes.... and I'm finding options in compiz fusion that windows can't touch

[Cuco3]

All you need to do is look at the "Absolute Beginner Talk" forum and see the amount of problems that are constantly being posted every hour of the day.

The majority of the problems you're reading here don't happen with Windows or OSX. These features and functions just naturally work when it comes to those operating systems.

[cc7gir]

All Ubuntu is linux
Not all linux is Ubuntu.

1. "Ugly" brown default desktop is seen in Ubuntu only.
example: Arch linux simple install doesn't even have a gui :)

2 What do you mean by "Icons don't stack in task bar?"
The windows you have open don't stack? I believe that they do when you open many of the same time and you start to run out of room. (With Gnome 2.2* at least)

3. Never even heard of soul-seek...

Museek
Nicotine
Pyslsk

are Linux clients for soulseek... tried those yet?

4. Chat Logging -- I use Pigdin even when I use windows.
You can customize what it logs.... and the format that it uses..
(.txt or .html)

"......saves everytime you open a new window"
Check mark "Log all instant messages" and do not check "log all chats"

I think that is what you want.

Enjoy -- CC7

[Viva]

nvm

[xxhopingtearsxx]

"......saves everytime you open a new window"
Check mark "Log all instant messages" and do not check "log all chats"

I think that is what you want.

Enjoy -- CC7

I never knew that, thanks. But I would love it if amsn did that. Amsn is very similar looking to the Windows Live Messenger on Windows I know and love except the chat logging.

[Revolutionary101]

I did install a theme. I said it was very difficult for an average user like me. But I still didn't give up and eventually got a theme installed thanks to the help of a friend. This whole thread was about why should an average computer user like me want to use Ubuntu?

Ubuntu 9.04 comes with 9 themes and Windows XP comes with only 3 and you can only install 2 others. Plus of those themes for Windows XP all they are only color variations of the same theme. The average user would like to use Ubuntu because it gives you person to person support not like Microsoft's person to computer support. Also the average user would like that most if not all of the software is free.

[j.bell730]

All you need to do is look at the "Absolute Beginner Talk" forum and see the amount of problems that are constantly being posted every hour of the day.

The majority of the problems you're reading here don't happen with Windows or OSX. These features and functions just naturally work when it comes to those operating systems.

Viva, I think you should repost those links.

[xxhopingtearsxx]

Viva, I think you should repost those links.

Already clicked on them. ;)

[Revolutionary101]

All you need to do is look at the "Absolute Beginner Talk" forum and see the amount of problems that are constantly being posted every hour of the day.

The majority of the problems you're reading here don't happen with Windows or OSX. These features and functions just naturally work when it comes to those operating systems.

The only reason it seems that Ubuntu has these problems is because Microsoft and Apple don't have a huge community where people can post those problems. They don't do that because that would ruin their reputation.

[DeadSuperHero]

You don't NEED Linux, but you're free to have it if you want it.

[nhasian]

1. When I first started up, I saw an ugly brown desktop as the default.

Thats just a matter of opinion. I actually like the default theme. Good news however is that the new Ubuntu Karmic Koala coming out in october will have several new themes to choose from. right now i'm using the Shiki-Dust theme.


2. As far as I can remember, the icons didn't stack in the taskbar. If I have two msn windows open, they just show up as two different windows in the taskbar. It gave me a headache. There's a reason why I switched to Windows XP in 2005.

That behavior is easy to change as well. Linux is very customizable. I like using a dock windows manager like Cairo or Gnome-Do's Docky theme.


4. Chat logging.. I'm a big moron who likes chat logging. ... amsn a good chat logging feature like I wanted.

I wouldnt put too much stock in amsn, as it is not the default messenger in ubuntu. You should try Empathy as it will be the new default messenger in 9.10 karmic koala. if it doesnt have a feature you want, now is the perfect time to create a bug report so the feature can be added to the wishlist. Regular users like yourself can help in the development of software, even if you dont know how to do any programming. You can make suggestions, test prerelease software, submit bugreports. That's one thing you cant do in windows.

I get a warm and fuzzy feeling knowing i helped make the software better for the community whenever a launchpad bugreport of mine gets referenced in a program's update details in the update manager. :KS

Overall, I just didn't know why I would want to use Ubuntu if I already have a fast pc with everything I want...I want to use Ubuntu, but I don't know why I would.

xxhopingtearsxx,

I hope you dont get flamed, some people can get pretty defensive when it comes to ubuntu. But it does sound like you're giving it a try so good for you. but to give it an honest go you really cant compare ubuntu to windows as they are two completely separate beasts. so far everything you've complained about has been superficial and arnt really showstoppers that would prevent you from switching to ubuntu. Challenge yourself to use ubuntu strictly for 30 days without falling back to your comfort zone of windows. you might find you prefer it after a month of usage :)

PS even when you buy an electric razor it says not to use regular razors for 2-3 weeks as your skin adjusts to the new electric razor.

[leo2501]

Well personally i walked through the never ending learning process, actually i used arch linux a couple of years, and it was every challenging, but now i learned that i want something that makes what i need and makes that easy... so i can get my loved arch and did it that way... but for now im installed windows in my msi wind, waiting to get a google android nvidia tegra powered cell phone so i can merge the computer and the cell phone like i previously did with the mp3 player and the cell phone :) and maybe i'll have a couple of micro sd cards to play with some arm ready kiss linux distro :)

[stoogiebuncho]

If windows works for you, you should use it. Personally, Windows annoys the hell out of me.

1) I hate having to run two or three different programs all the time to keep my operating system secure and virus-free (Ubuntu is secure straight from installation).

2) I hate that it slows down over time

3) I hate having to pay every time a new version comes out.

4) I hate dealing with "Windows Genuine Advantage" or whatever it's called that constantly checks to make sure I really did pay for Windows.

5) I hate how it thinks it knows better than I do and tries to run my computer for me.

I experienced about the same number of bugs and glitches with Windows as I do with Ubuntu (let's not forget the blue screen of death). The thing is, if you use Windows (or Ubuntu) for a long time, you get used to that OS's particular bugs and they seem "normal" to you and you stop noticing them as much.

I would say installing a program from synaptic is just as user-friendly as downloading an .exe and installing it. It just depends on what you're used to.

But the bottom line is, use what works for you. No one could convince me to go back to Windows, and I'm not going to try to convince you to use Ubuntu. If you like something, use that. That's what freedom of choice is all about.

[xxhopingtearsxx]

Thats just a matter of opinion. I actually like the default theme. Good news however is that the new Ubuntu Karmic Koala coming out in october will have several new themes to choose from. right now i'm using the Shiki-Dust theme.




That behavior is easy to change as well. Linux is very customizable. I like using a dock windows manager like Cairo or Gnome-Do's Docky theme.




I wouldnt put too much stock in amsn, as it is not the default messenger in ubuntu. You should try Empathy as it will be the new default messenger in 9.10 karmic koala. if it doesnt have a feature you want, now is the perfect time to create a bug report so the feature can be added to the wishlist. Regular users like yourself can help in the development of software, even if you dont know how to do any programming. You can make suggestions, test prerelease software, submit bugreports. That's one thing you cant do in windows.

I get a warm and fuzzy feeling knowing i helped make the software better for the community whenever a launchpad bugreport of mine gets referenced in a program's update details in the update manager. :KS



xxhopingtearsxx,

I hope you dont get flamed, some people can get pretty defensive when it comes to ubuntu. But it does sound like you're giving it a try so good for you. but to give it an honest go you really cant compare ubuntu to windows as they are two completely separate beasts. so far everything you've complained about has been superficial and arnt really showstoppers that would prevent you from switching to ubuntu. Challenge yourself to use ubuntu strictly for 30 days without falling back to your comfort zone of windows. you might find you prefer it after a month of usage :)

PS even when you buy an electric razor it says not to use regular razors for 2-3 weeks as your skin adjusts to the new electric razor.

I like this post better than the others that I've gotten. I think you've helped me get back to Ubuntu. Besides, who cares about chat logging? As long as it logs is what matters I guess. (I have my reasons for why I'm logging) and I do have pretty stupid reasons for not wanting to use it. I will try Empathy, and I guess I should try using it for 30 days like my friend keeps telling me to do.

[JC Cheloven]

The answer for your whole question is: --> Freedom.
No fancy feature can replace that (for me).

As for this detail:

2. As far as I can remember, the icons didn't stack in the taskbar. If I have two msn windows open, they just show up as two different windows in the taskbar. It gave me a headache. There's a reason why I switched to Windows XP in 2005.

Right-click the litle handle at the left of the windowss list. Select preferences. Check 'always group windows'.
Is it what you're looking for?

[xxhopingtearsxx]

I would say installing a program from synaptic is just as user-friendly as downloading an .exe and installing it. It just depends on what you're used to.


That reminds me, I have problems installing some programs that aren't in Add/Remove.. like tar.gz files. I just don't know if I'm to extract them or use it on some program like I do with themes.

[Paqman]

That reminds me, I have problems installing some programs that aren't in Add/Remove.. like tar.gz files. I just don't know if I'm to extract them or use it on some program like I do with themes.

Who doesn't? Tarballs are horrible, I avoid them at all costs. You're much, much better off sticking to stuff from the repos, or a .deb file.

[j.bell730]

That reminds me, I have problems installing some programs that aren't in Add/Remove.. like tar.gz files. I just don't know if I'm to extract them or use it on some program like I do with themes.

Yeah, .tar.gz files aren't too friendly. I just started to even try to install those after about a year and a half of using Ubuntu. I'd go for .debs whenever possible.

EDIT- Aw, too slow :P.

[Viva]

The tar.gz files you're talking about are mostly source files. You need to compile them yourself on any operating system. You're better off finding a repository or .deb file. http://www.getdeb.net is a great place to get .deb files(It is similar to download.com).

[xxhopingtearsxx]

Yeah, I like using .deb files more too..

So I'm convinced with Ubuntu and I'm going to install it on a 15GB partition like I did before. Is there a step by step guide on how to have a dock on Ubuntu? There was one thing I tried but it was stuck on a Christmas theme and I didn't know how to use it to completely replace my taskbar, so I'm better off with a step by step guide.

[xxhopingtearsxx]

The tar.gz files you're talking about are mostly source files. You need to compile them yourself on any operating system. You're better off finding a repository or .deb file. http://www.getdeb.net is a great place to get .deb files(It is similar to download.com).

Why the hell doesn't anyone tell me these things? I've been using Google like my bitch to find .deb files.

Thanks for the link!

[Arup]

At least the Suspend feature works on Windows.

Suspend feature although really not needed since Ubuntu boots up fast works here on my ancient VAIO, my new Panasonic Toughbook as well as my Phenom and dual quad core desktops, both with nvidia graphics.

[xxhopingtearsxx]

Okay, I pretty much have been convinced seeing as the time that past since my last post, I've installed Ubuntu and put in my wifi password and signed back in to the forums..

Going to try the 30 day challenge.

[stoogiebuncho]

Yeah, I like using .deb files more too..

So I'm convinced with Ubuntu and I'm going to install it on a 15GB partition like I did before. Is there a step by step guide on how to have a dock on Ubuntu? There was one thing I tried but it was stuck on a Christmas theme and I didn't know how to use it to completely replace my taskbar, so I'm better off with a step by step guide.

I like Gnome-Do in docky mode. If you're running 8.10 or higher, just

1)sudo apt-get install gnome-do (it's also in Add/Remove if you prefer)

2) Applications > Accessories > Gnome Do

3) On the Gnome Do window, go to Preferences, and set it to start on login. Then go to the Appearance tag and set it to the "Docky" theme.

Now you can press [super]+space and launch programs simply by typing the first few letters of their names. Gnome Do will remember your commonly used applications and populate the dock with them.

If there are shortcuts you want on the dock permanently, just drag them there from the applications menu. If there are shortcuts you don't want on there, just drag them off.

Then go back to preferences and explore the plugins. There's a lot of cool stuff there.

I attached a screenshot so you can see what it looks like.

[dlmarti]

Winblows? LoL that's pretty childish right there.

Truth hurts? or would you prefer Windoze?

I haven't used a version of windows since 3.1, until recently I tried Windows 7. I was amazed!!!

Microsoft STILL doesn't get it. Out of the box, windows does nothing! There are no applications and pretty much the only thing you can do is browse the web, or play a couple of lame games.

Its not that way at all with Linux. My father has been a hardcore windows user, I recently got him to try out Ubunutu. After he saw what software was available, he was like a kid in the candy store. Finally he has a safe, secure, OS with little or no headaches.

[RiceMonster]

If you have to ask yourself why you should be using Linux, maybe it isn't right for you.

3. Soulseek. I didn't see a good Soulseek client on Ubuntu, so if I wanted to use Soulseek, I'd have to go to Windows which isn't a very big deal.

I hear ya. Try Nicotine+. It works great.

[SunnyRabbiera]

At least the Suspend feature works on Windows.

It can on linux, but this is more hardware related then anything else.
If you use a laptop then suspend might cause issues more then on a desktop, but certain hardware simply doesnt play nice with linux.

All you need to do is look at the "Absolute Beginner Talk" forum and see the amount of problems that are constantly being posted every hour of the day.

The majority of the problems you're reading here don't happen with Windows or OSX. These features and functions just naturally work when it comes to those operating systems.

Not in all the cases, and sometimes I have seen both OSX and Windows not "just work" too.

Now onto the original post:



1. When I first started up, I saw an ugly brown desktop as the default. If I want to change my theme and icons, I have to download some themes and icons which I had extreme trouble doing as a regular user. The default theme of an operating system.. in my opinion.. is supposed to be good to look at, so someone gets a better first impression of it until they find out it's horrible.. like Windows ME.

Well to be honest I hate the Luna theme in XP, it looks like a childerens toy more then a OS, plus with linux I think its neat you can change the looks of the OS to the way you want them.

By default Ubuntu uses a very basic theme yes but you can change it


2. As far as I can remember, the icons didn't stack in the taskbar. If I have two msn windows open, they just show up as two different windows in the taskbar. It gave me a headache. There's a reason why I switched to Windows XP in 2005.

You can group tasks in Ubuntu


3. Soulseek. I didn't see a good Soulseek client on Ubuntu, so if I wanted to use Soulseek, I'd have to go to Windows which isn't a very big deal.

I am unsure on soulseek but I bet there are alternatives.

4. Chat logging.. I'm a big moron who likes chat logging. I love the chat logging in MSN Plus and how they are text files. Every msn client I used was disappointing. Amsn used .log. When I went into the amsn to ask if there was a way I could use .html or .txt chat logging, I got a rude response on how .log is more superior. I don't give a rat's ***. I don't like how I have to get on amsn to view the chat logs and if I view a .log file on a text reader, it looks like a jumbled mix of letters next to each message. Kmess saves everytime you open a new window, giving you 1,000 or more chat logs a month. Pidgin does the same thing.
I didn't find a decent MSN client that had a good chat logging feature, and I know no one who can code a plugin to give amsn a good chat logging feature like I wanted.

Yeh chat logging you got me on too

[xxhopingtearsxx]

Update:
From.. using Ubuntu for a day at least, I've accomplished what I haven't accomplished before. Getting a dock. I've been determined.. more than ever.. to use Ubuntu for 30 days, and I'm not sure if I'm ever going back to Windows. I have MSN, Pidgin, and what turned me back on to Ubuntu even more is Compiz and the dock. Seriously, this is awesome.

My desktop: http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/9747/114august172009.png

[blur xc]

Winblows? LoL that's pretty childish right there.

The Wind does Blow, doesn't it? If it wasn't for the "blow", how could wind even exist?

Sorry- couldn't resist-

Linux = Freedom, as I think you already have found out. W/ Windows or Apple- you use the computer the way they tell you to, it looks like they want it to look, you are subject to whatever updates (and forced reboots) they deem fit. You computer in essence belongs to them, and you are only permitted to use it within the guidelines of their EULA.

W/ Linux- you can do whatever you damn well please. Don't like the gui? Try a different one! Don't like the standard menu layout- change it! The only limit is how much effort you want to put into it. That's what I love about linux.


BM

[Viva]

Update:
From.. using Ubuntu for a day at least, I've accomplished what I haven't accomplished before. Getting a dock. I've been determined.. more than ever.. to use Ubuntu for 30 days, and I'm not sure if I'm ever going back to Windows. I have MSN, Pidgin, and what turned me back on to Ubuntu even more is Compiz and the dock. Seriously, this is awesome.

My desktop: http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/9747/114august172009.png

That looks nice. There are a lot more themes on http://www.gnome-look.org/

[SuperSonic4]

Update:
From.. using Ubuntu for a day at least, I've accomplished what I haven't accomplished before. Getting a dock. I've been determined.. more than ever.. to use Ubuntu for 30 days, and I'm not sure if I'm ever going back to Windows. I have MSN, Pidgin, and what turned me back on to Ubuntu even more is Compiz and the dock. Seriously, this is awesome.

My desktop: http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/9747/114august172009.png

I'm glad you're giving it a go :]
If you want something more stylish out of the box then I would suggest a KDE distro (the KDE version of ubuntu is Kubuntu) - there is more eye-candy out of the box and the dual row task bar is epic

If you want it either download an ISO and install normally or install [I]kubuntu-desktop using your favourite method to install it alongside ubuntu

[matthewbpt]

I have been asking myself the same question over and over, "Why do I need linux?" I just don't know the answer to that, so maybe you can help me.

I'm just an average joe regular computer user. I chat, I listen to music, I browse the internet, and sharing photos. I never get viruses since I don't do a lot of risky crap on the computer. This laptop is the fastest one I've ever had to date, with 2GB of Ram. I finally have a computer with the hardware to run Vista, which is quite ugly tbh.

Here are things that are turning me off Linux.. and this is coming from the average joe user.

1. When I first started up, I saw an ugly brown desktop as the default. If I want to change my theme and icons, I have to download some themes and icons which I had extreme trouble doing as a regular user. The default theme of an operating system.. in my opinion.. is supposed to be good to look at, so someone gets a better first impression of it until they find out it's horrible.. like Windows ME.

I agree the theme is a bit ugly, but I don't mind it. The theme is designed so that it can easily on a older computer with lower specs, as well as the newer computers, and I find it's quite straightforward to find new themes (gnome-look.org)

2. As far as I can remember, the icons didn't stack in the taskbar. If I have two msn windows open, they just show up as two different windows in the taskbar. It gave me a headache. There's a reason why I switched to Windows XP in 2005.
If you want the icons to stack up it's quite easy to enable this feature, just right click on the task bar, click 'Preferences' then select "Always group windows" ... voila!

3. Soulseek. I didn't see a good Soulseek client on Ubuntu, so if I wanted to use Soulseek, I'd have to go to Windows which isn't a very big deal.
I've never heard of Soulseek so I can't really comment on this one, but I've never had trouble finding a Linux equivalent program to a Windows program, and in my experience the Linux equivalents are usually better.
4. Chat logging.. I'm a big moron who likes chat logging. I love the chat logging in MSN Plus and how they are text files. Every msn client I used was disappointing. Amsn used .log. When I went into the amsn to ask if there was a way I could use .html or .txt chat logging, I got a rude response on how .log is more superior. I don't give a rat's ***. I don't like how I have to get on amsn to view the chat logs and if I view a .log file on a text reader, it looks like a jumbled mix of letters next to each message. Kmess saves everytime you open a new window, giving you 1,000 or more chat logs a month. Pidgin does the same thing.
I didn't find a decent MSN client that had a good chat logging feature, and I know no one who can code a plugin to give amsn a good chat logging feature like I wanted.

Pidgin, the default IM client, logs all chats in .txt format. just look in /home/$USER/.purple/logs/ and you'll find them.

Overall, I just didn't know why I would want to use Ubuntu if I already have a fast pc with everything I want. The only reason I could think of is that it's different, and it gives people a different impression of you if they see you walking around with an ubuntu sticker on your laptop. Those two stupid reasons are pretty much it. I want to use Ubuntu, but I don't know why I would.

Everyone has to find their own reasons for using Ubuntu. I use it because it gives me more stability that Vista and XP (oh the Windows nighmares I've had!), more security, and more customizability. I also like the feeling of community and freedom you get from using it. Since I started using Linux I think I've learned a lot more about computers that I did before, to the extent that I've started building my own computers (and don't need to spend any money on software licences to use them!).

I love Linux and FOSS and I don't think I'll ever switch back to another OS. If you don't like it you don't have to use it, but you'll be missing out if you don't! ;)

Matt

[C!oud]

I hear ya. Try Nicotine+. It works great.

Another Slsk client is museek+ for those who want a qt frontend or an ncurses frontend (CLI app) or just another GTK alternative to nicotine+. The great thing about museek though is that it follows a daemon/client model where the main program is a daemon that sits in the background in which you connect to using one of the frontends.