Hooked on Ubuntu

[jcblll]

):P Found a home, got my start years ago in DOS, made it all the way to XP and refuse to budge.

On and off through the years I attempted Linux several times, I guess I'm lazy, way too much command line work required. It got to the point that every Windows patch for XP slowed my computers and network down by an ever increasing multiple.

Then, I found Ubuntu and have replaced nearly every task performed in XP with Ubuntu and with very little command line intervention.

LastPass is a cut above RoboForm. I can't say enough about the excellent OS and robust support Forum, I encourage friends and family at every opportunity to make the change.
Thanks, Ubuntu

[jdrodrig]

Thanks for sharing and for your efforts to tell others the benefits (and costs) of Ubuntu.

[s.fox]

Hello,

I am glad you are enjoying Ubuntu so much. Enjoy your time on these forums :D

-Silver Fox

[Tamlynmac]

Silver_fox_

I am glad you are enjoying Ubuntu so much. Enjoy your time on these forums :grin:

+1
Couldn't have said it better.

jcblll:
Thank you for sharing your Ubuntu/Linux experience with us.

[steve161]

Just in case you tire of the Ubuntu addiction, I would suggest methadone. Ubuntu is great but this forum makes it so much easier for someone who has recently switched to this distro. I have had most questions answered by just using the search function. If I actually post a question, I have 10 answers by the time I check my email and return to the forum page.

[uRock]

"Welcome to the light!"

Glad to see you have found a home with Ubuntu. I am testing 10.04 and things are looking even better. Ubuntu rocks!

[HappyFeet]

Great to hear. I see the top 6 threads now are all positive. Geez, I guess ubuntu isn't all that bad. ;)

[uRock]

Great to hear. I see the top 6 threads now are all positive. Geez, I guess ubuntu isn't all that bad. ;)

Ya had to go and jinx it.:)

[rmccutchan]

There are times I feel like posting positive comments about Ubuntu every day, but I think people would be tired of me posting, so I contain myself! :)

I am a photographer and I couldn't be happier with the software I am using.

I just wish I had more time to learn to use the command line. There is definately a learning curve for the command line, but Ubuntu sure makes it easy so you don't need to. I guess it's all about the freedom.

I have installed Ubuntu on about 8 different computers from various manufacturers, and never once had a problem. Had a couple of printer issues, but for $30 USD for a new HP printer, it's not much of a problem.

Again, many thanks to the smart people who keep the freedom that comes with Ubuntu and Linux going!!

[kg4cna]

I am a photographer and I couldn't be happier with the software I am using.


If I may ask, what kind of software do you use for you photography? GIMP or something else?

Thanks,
A~

[rmccutchan]

Hi!

I use Rawtherapee or Ufraw to do the major adjustments and convert raw Canon files to tiff or png.

Then Gimp for fine tuning.

[armandh]

todays linux, and Ubuntu in paticular, is the great leap forward compared to the linux of 10 years ago.

Then, no matter the distro; X, sound, or net...one would not work!
[and back to M$]

today, on most hardware, OOTB Ubuntu just works.

[jdrodrig]

Great to hear. I see the top 6 threads now are all positive. Geez, I guess ubuntu isn't all that bad. ;)

We can always dream!... Just sort the threads by replies, and you would say negative experiences are quickly populated by Ubuntu-defenders.

[uRock]

We can always dream!... Just sort the threads by replies, and you would say negative experiences are quickly populated by Ubuntu-defenders.

Nothing wrong with defending that which is awesome. After all this is the phrase that pays...

The trick is to make things run solidly and dependably - and Ubuntu does that very well.

[GodLikeCreature]

We can always dream!... Just sort the threads by replies, and you would say negative experiences are quickly populated by Ubuntu-defenders.

I have read about 10 replies from you in recent days and they are all critical and mostly negative about Ubuntu and Linux.

To be honest, I am glad this forum allows for that kind of critical posting, I think it is constructive that we have challenges, it ensures a continuous improvement. Having said so, Linux is all about choice, and that choice should be a guarantee for each person to use whatever works for her/him.

I use Linux because I am convinced it is the better option for me, and I cannot really think of much negative about it. That's not because I am a fanboi, nor because Linux is perfect (it is not), but because I like it the way it is. Yes, it does require the user to use the command line every now and then, but I love that. It does have its weak spots, but I happen not to suffer from them. Not the best gaming experience? Fine by me, I rather use my console for gaming anyways. Hardware limitations? Not as long as you have the right expectations and buy responsibly. I could go on, but I am sure you get the point.

From your comments, it sounds as if your Linux experience was far from positive, so why keep using it? Just curious. I really think nobody should use Linux unless they have a satisfactory user experience.

[GodLikeCreature]

By the way, I am reading a bit in www.sevenforums.com, and laughing big time! There is a huge thread about things they don't like about Win7...

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/18190-what-dont-you-like-about-windows-7-a-138.html

No wonder they like it, their demands are so basic and self complacent...

Having said so, some issues that would get quite some heat here are considered normal and accepted patiently. For example, there is a user who claims his two year old printer is not recognised, not even when he's got install CDs for Vista and XP (compatibility mode is no good), but he happily accepts that and hopes MS will improve it soon...

Man, if Win7 is lacking support for printers that had WinXP and Vista drivers and we still sourly complain here about the same when sometimes those manufacturers NEVER offer the slightest support to Linux...

Once again, I like our critical thinking, and I honestly felt good reading that post because of the sheer stupidity of some of their requests/complaints. It really feels like Linux is a "grown up". Having said so, we should also put things into perspective and give us a break every once in a while. Linux ROCKS.

[uRock]

^^^Agreed. Critical thinking is a trait that not everybody has. It requires one to think.

[jdrodrig]

I have read about 10 replies from you in recent days and they are all critical and mostly negative about Ubuntu and Linux.


Thanks for reading! I would not like them to be interpreting them as negative but as constructive criticism.



To be honest, I am glad this forum allows for that kind of critical posting, I think it is constructive that we have challenges, it ensures a continuous improvement. Having said so, Linux is all about choice, and that choice should be a guarantee for each person to use whatever works for her/him.


Couldn't agree more!; from time to time, I like to come to rescue of negative experience's posters. I think people around here tend to forget, that we can learn equally or even more from negative feedback than from positive one; and yet, most negative posters get flamed.




From your comments, it sounds as if your Linux experience was far from positive, so why keep using it? Just curious. I really think nobody should use Linux unless they have a satisfactory user experience.

Sorry to disappoint but I am a very happy Ubuntu user. BUT, I did pay the price of a steep learning curve and some rough edges..for me, it has been very worthwhile, but I do see how people might choose not to pay such cost.

[Tamlynmac]

GodLikeCreature
I have read about 10 replies from you in recent days and they are all critical and mostly negative about Ubuntu and Linux.

Imagine that? ;)

One might consider the use of the "Edit Ignore List" in their user CP under "Settings & Options". It works...

Just a thought. :-k

[jdrodrig]

Imagine that? ;)

One might consider the use of the "Edit Ignore List" in their user CP under "Settings & Options". It works...

Just a thought. :-k

Sounds like a win-win! :D

How does it work, would I not get update from threads any of my edit ignore list post, or I will see the thread without such people's posts?

I said before, "I think people around here tend to forget, that we can learn equally or even more from negative feedback than from positive one"... I think I just got my point confirmed.

[uRock]

You'd see that they posted,but you'd have to click on them to read their post. Gets annoying when you see their name after your post and have to go through extra clicks to see what they said.

[jdrodrig]

You'd see that they posted,but you'd have to click on them to read their post. Gets annoying when you see their name after your post and have to go through extra clicks to see what they said.

Thanks for the explanation but I guess I will stay without such filter...of course, I will have to face the risk to run into posts I disagree with..(insert irony here).

[ibuclaw]

Sounds like a win-win! :D

How does it work, would I not get update from threads any of my edit ignore list post, or I will see the thread without such people's posts?

I said before, "I think people around here tend to forget, that we can learn equally or even more from negative feedback than from positive one"... I think I just got my point confirmed.

It hides the enlisted user's posts and threads from your view of the forums - with the optional button to show if needed.

Regards
Iain

[ibuclaw]

By the way, I am reading a bit in www.sevenforums.com, and laughing big time! There is a huge thread about things they don't like about Win7...

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/18190-what-dont-you-like-about-windows-7-a-138.html

No wonder they like it, their demands are so basic and self complacent...


If we have one such thread here, it would pretty much be the same thing.

I actually enjoyed this quote from that thread:


Yeah? I have yet to see a single "average" user that knows enough about Windows to know which feature are important and which are not. Chances are, if an "average" user gets to choose which features to install and which to leave out, you'll end up with yet more arguments about how Windows doesn't do enough or doesn't support some features, simply because the "average" user chose not to install them, and does not know how to put them back later.

You can apply the same logic to Ubuntu when users have a word or two to say about Ubuntu being bloated or slow because of too many enabled services out of the box.

Then again, we have plenty of documentation which explains which services are which and why you would need / not need them.

[uRock]

You can apply the same logic to Ubuntu when users have a word or two to say about Ubuntu being bloated or slow because of too many enabled services out of the box.

Then again, we have plenty of documentation which explains which services are which and why you would need / not need them.
Definitely. +1

[Tamlynmac]

Please note that I stated: "One might consider".

Implementation is by choice. It's been my experience that the option of what one chooses to read is often a benefit. IMHO, Free-Speech doesn't mean that we should be forced to listen or read everything - only that it's an option. By being selective, we can all enjoy reading that which entertains, informs or entices us.

Doubt many go to the library with the intent of reading every book. When considering entertainment, one should select that which they enjoy and not be forced to read that which they don't. I suspect that was one reason why it was included in our CP options. But then again, I wasn't involved in the original choice.

Just my experience and will not debate in this section.

[jdrodrig]

to avoid reading unwanted posts...humble suggestion: hitting page-down is faster!

I see a thread about thanking ubuntu became a thread about free-speech and speculation about why forum features exists or not...and again, about not debating

"thread closed" coming any time soon? please?

[GodLikeCreature]

to avoid reading unwanted posts...humble suggestion: hitting page-down is faster!

I see a thread about thanking ubuntu became a thread about free-speech and speculation about why forum features exists or not...and again, about not debating

"thread closed" coming any time soon? please?

Hey, I am glad you are a happy Ubuntu user, just saying you don't give that impression.

As for not wanting to read your posts, that's beyond the point. Like I said, I enjoy critical thinking. It's just that after reading a few of your posts, your arguments seem to be monotonous, and you could use some positivity for a change.

By the way, you decided to take your steep learning curve and happily came out the other end, as you say, enjoying your Ubuntu. Not sure I understand why you would expect others not to? At the very least, I think they deserve the same opportunity you had to make their own choice, don't you think?

People are smart enough to decide whether they like Ubuntu or not, believe me.

[uRock]

^^^+1

[jdrodrig]

Hey, I am glad you are a happy Ubuntu user, just saying you don't give that impression.

As for not wanting to read your posts, that's beyond the point. Like I said, I enjoy critical thinking. It's just that after reading a few of your posts, your arguments seem to be monotonous, and you could use some positivity for a change.

By the way, you decided to take your steep learning curve and happily came out the other end, as you say, enjoying your Ubuntu. Not sure I understand why you would expect others not to? At the very least, I think they deserve the same opportunity you had to make their own choice, don't you think?

People are smart enough to decide whether they like Ubuntu or not, believe me.

your arguments seem to be monotonous? Sure, that is exactly my point. I get to read very monotounos flames and irrational behavior pro-ubuntu. So I have seen the need to make the same point over and over again.

Expects others to enjoy it? Sure....I might be wrong, but I get a feeling that a significant group of newcomers come with the selling point of "it just works"..and they need to know the learning curve will be there, that it can be significant but that there is help along the way.

Having the same opportunity? sure..have you seen me telling people "don't use ubuntu by all means"? I think I am very far from neglecting people that option....

...(I think the opposite message is actually commonly seen around here..."non-free source world is evil, so use linux and ubuntu by all means")

[GodLikeCreature]

your arguments seem to be monotonous? Sure, that is exactly my point. I get to read very monotounos flames and irrational behavior pro-ubuntu. So I have seen the need to make the same point over and over again.

Expects others to enjoy it? Sure....I might be wrong, but I get a feeling that a significant group of newcomers come with the selling point of "it just works"..and they need to know the learning curve will be there, that it can be significant but that there is help along the way.

Having the same opportunity? sure..have you seen me telling people "don't use ubuntu by all means"? I think I am very far from neglecting people that option....

...(I think the opposite message is actually commonly seen around here..."non-free source world is evil, so use linux and ubuntu by all means")

To be honest, I fully agree with what you are saying there, and if I had felt that was your message, I wouldn't have said a word. However, I don't believe that's what you are conveying.

I completely agree that some people cannot accept any criticism against Ubuntu or Linux (although I honestly think this forum is more open minded than most), but those people very quickly make fools of themselves and lose any credibility.

As for lecturing people about learning curves and their significancy... Well, I think that's really not for any of us to do, honestly. Every person will have a different experience with Linux depending on many variables. Some will be unfortunate and install it on top of incompatible hardware, while others will get it all right on the fly.

I think it is important that we get those new comers to understand the reasons why they may need a learning curve. An educated user will understand Linux limitations and happily work around them, just like Mac users do. An uneducated user will expect Linux to do many things it is not meant to do, and get frustrated when it doesn't work. We can change that by being up front, recognising what could be improved, while we stress what is already great.

Once again, I think your message conveys negativity. You are right, you are not explicitely asking people not to use Ubuntu, but I honestly believe a new user would probably be discouraged by your overall point of view. Just telling people "fasten your seatbelt, because your in for a hell of a learning curve" is really not a helping message, neither for the user nor for the community. Instead, we could help by setting the record straight and giving a hand if a workaround can be proposed.

As far as I am concerned, very few posts in this "testimonials" part of the forum actually complain about the real problems in Linux. Yes, some people complain about the poor policy around kernel compilation that messes around with drivers, some complain about the lack of consistency in terms of an audio server and the problems it brings with it. Some other people will complain about Xorg, and the many issues deriving from it, such as the nightmare it is to correctly configure a beamer to run a simple slideshow in a meeting room. Yes, there are some people who really understand Linux and raise reasonable claims, but for every one of them, there are 50 who will come here complaining about certain Windows application not running on Ubuntu, about Ubuntu not working as they expected based on their Windows experience, about Ubuntu not being able to run games designed for Windows, etc, etc, etc.

I believe we should not be supportive with people demeaning Ubuntu with unfair claims. Instead, we should educate them, so they can have the right expectations about Ubuntu and Linux in general. In other words, we should not concede that Linux is bad because it does not do something it should not do.

I don't think anybody in their right minds would go to a Windows forum complaining because they can no longer use K3B, or Brasero, or Kopete, or gedit, as they did when they used Linux. Such complaints, however, happen in here all the time, and I think it is down to us who know better to make a difference, to maybe fill the void and make new users aware of what Linux is about, and how they can work around its limitations.

...And if they still think Linux sucks, fine! They should go ahead and try something else, but at least do so for the right reasons.

[jdrodrig]

Yes, there are some people who really understand Linux and raise reasonable claims, but for every one of them, there are 50 who will come here complaining about certain Windows application not running on Ubuntu, about Ubuntu not working as they expected based on their Windows experience, about Ubuntu not being able to run games designed for Windows, etc, etc, etc.

I believe we should not be supportive with people demeaning Ubuntu with unfair claims. Instead, we should educate them, so they can have the right expectations about Ubuntu and Linux in general.



Well I appreciate the feedback on my ability or inability to convey the message I would like to convey.

I have mixed view about your "should" endorsing above.

As any company or organization receiving feedback, we cannot be picky about the type of feedback we receive. It is our job to translate such "unfair claims" into useful feedback, specially if any pattern is found in such testimonials.

This type of education is good, as long as it is offered not imposed. Once again as I have said before, we cannot assume regular users would like to know as much about the inner workings of their OSes as we do. Of course, general "education" about sources of info about the advantages (and disadvantages) of open source can and should be easily accesible.

[GodLikeCreature]

Well I appreciate the feedback on my ability or inability to convey the message I would like to convey.

I have mixed view about your "should" endorsing above.

As any company or organization receiving feedback, we cannot be picky about the type of feedback we receive. It is our job to translate such "unfair claims" into useful feedback, specially if any pattern is found in such testimonials.

This type of education is good, as long as it is offered not imposed. Once again as I have said before, we cannot assume regular users would like to know as much about the inner workings of their OSes as we do. Of course, general "education" about sources of info about the advantages (and disadvantages) of open source can and should be easily accesible.

Agreed, I think we are basically getting to the same thing here.

Like you say, if there are patterns, as there are in some of the items I pointed out (kernel upgrade related driver problems, audio issues, etc), we should definitely accept such complaints and try to improve the situation as much as possible.

Having said so, I still think there are some claims that go beyond what's reasonable. I wonder, though... What do you think Apple support would tell a customer who complaints about the latest Windows game not being playable in his iMac?

We just have to admit that Ubuntu, like any manufactured product, has a scope. It is unreasonable to expect it to deliver beyond its scope. I just think that paying attention to people with such claims is essentially a waste of time, for Ubuntu will never satisfy them.