Why Ubuntu (or any Linux) over Windows?

[jaccav]

I've tried several different versions of Ubuntu on my laptop in hopes of having an alternative OS than Windows, and I can't get the wireless networking going. In truth, I haven't spent countless hours looking for solutions out here on the boards.

This is exactly why Windows clings to the market share it does. You bring it home, and it works. Period. To the average user, jumping through hoops and finding drivers and tinkering is no fun at all. I like to tinker a bit, but really...after an hour...I'm ready to reboot into Windows again. I just want the thing to work!

Go ahead and list all the benefits to Linux. I get it. But if I can't get it going, it's pointless. Hey...I'll look at the bright side....if I can't connect to the internet, at least I won't get any viruses!

I'm sorry...no question here really. Just food for thought.

[aysiu]

That's funny. I ordered an Eee PC with Linux preinstalled, and I didn't have to do anything special to get wireless working.

[akiratheoni]

That's funny. I ordered an Eee PC with Linux preinstalled, and I didn't have to do anything special to get wireless working.

Agreed, I got my EeePC two weeks ago and I haven't had any problems with wireless either.

[jaccav]

Agreed, I got my EeePC two weeks ago and I haven't had any problems with wireless either.

My install is on an existing laptop with Windows already installed. BTW, in the past, I've reinstalled Windows with no problems. I was hoping this install of Ubuntu would have this ironed out. I'm guessing the manufacturer set it up for you so you didn't have to.

I just think I should be able to intsall the OS and go.

[aysiu]

I just think I should be able to intsall the OS and go. Whether you're running Linux or Windows "installing the OS and going" is a gamble. Sometimes Windows won't recognize everything right away, and you'll have to get a hold of all the driver CDs to install the drivers for things. Sometimes Linux won't recognize everything right away, and you'll have to install drivers... or sometimes hardware just isn't Linux-compatible.

Whether it's Windows or Linux, if people want things to just work, I highly recommend being the operating system preinstalled.

[RiceMonster]

My wireless works with no tweaking. I have an intel pro 3945. Works out of the box.

[pcybill]

I can empathize with your frustration jaccav. The one thing to remember here is that the personal computer is a tool, nothing more. It facilitates the execution of programs to perform certain tasks.

If you have certain hardware that has trouble functioning with Linux, and you have neither the time nor inclination to attempt troubleshooting and solving the problem and this same hardware runs fine under Windows then by all means use Windows.

As far as the benefits of running Linux as opposed to Windows, this is highly subjective and you will get many different responses. I myself use Linux for its overall stability, security, and cost compared to commercial OS's It does what I want it to and it does it well. I can only speak for me though.

In the end it will be up to you to make your decision regarding your hardware and choice of operating systems.

[Shin_Gouki2501]

my wireless works too ootb :D
i havea mac book r unning mac osx ^^

[peterbrewer]

I've tried several different versions of Ubuntu on my laptop in hopes of having an alternative OS than Windows, and I can't get the wireless networking going. In truth, I haven't spent countless hours looking for solutions out here on the boards.

This is exactly why Windows clings to the market share it does. You bring it home, and it works. Period. To the average user, jumping through hoops and finding drivers and tinkering is no fun at all. I like to tinker a bit, but really...after an hour...I'm ready to reboot into Windows again. I just want the thing to work!

Go ahead and list all the benefits to Linux. I get it. But if I can't get it going, it's pointless. Hey...I'll look at the bright side....if I can't connect to the internet, at least I won't get any viruses!

I'm sorry...no question here really. Just food for thought.

I think everyone on the board will sympathise with your situation. Do you know what wireless card you have, if so people may be able to offer you a solution.

It isn't fair to blame linux derivatives for lack of drivers when a lot of the hardware is closed. Windows has the advantage (because of its widespread use) than most (if not all) hardware manufacturers release Windows drivers with their products.

[Scientia]

Yep, the situation in which tinkering around is required and failing happens is familiar, and with a greenhorn like me at the helm, frustrations are routine. I absolutely agree that the vs. question is subject to each user's requirements, and by all means use what is most comfortable to yourself, regardless of people's opinions, The operating system is only as good as it's user.
Myself, i dig Ubuntu because MacOSX seriously bogs down my 700mhz iBook G3, and more importantly, i don't like the developers limiting what i can do.
The great thing is that a newly migrated but (hopefully)permanent user like me can find all the help and documentation wanted on the net and forums like these.

[SunnyRabbiera]

I've tried several different versions of Ubuntu on my laptop in hopes of having an alternative OS than Windows, and I can't get the wireless networking going. In truth, I haven't spent countless hours looking for solutions out here on the boards.

This is exactly why Windows clings to the market share it does. You bring it home, and it works. Period. To the average user, jumping through hoops and finding drivers and tinkering is no fun at all. I like to tinker a bit, but really...after an hour...I'm ready to reboot into Windows again. I just want the thing to work!

Go ahead and list all the benefits to Linux. I get it. But if I can't get it going, it's pointless. Hey...I'll look at the bright side....if I can't connect to the internet, at least I won't get any viruses!

I'm sorry...no question here really. Just food for thought.

well the thing is linux is not windows, plus we are living in a windows run world.
Your wireless card issue is not our fault, please keep in mind that most wireless card makers are greedy and work only with windows because they are on microsofts payroll.
Linux has a lot of advantages over windows if given the chance.

[Barrucadu]

Wireless support in Linux is great - but not amazing. Give it some time, and eventually the majority of people will be able to install Ubuntu (or another user-friendly distro) and have it "just work".

[edd07]

This is exactly why Windows clings to the market share it does. You bring it home, and it works. Period. To the average user, jumping through hoops and finding drivers and tinkering is no fun at all. I like to tinker a bit, but really...after an hour...I'm ready to reboot into Windows again. I just want the thing to work!
Well, I guess this things can vary a lot from computer to computer. It's the exact opposite to me: I went through hell to find the XP drivers for my laptop (It came with Vista, which I uninstalled) and Ubuntu was up and running with nothing but the wireless card firmware, which I installed following instructions from this forum.

But I do understand you, because this wireless firmware thing didn't work until Hardy came out. I had to go through a lot of trouble when I ran Feisty and Gutsy.

So, I think you should use the OS that works for you and fits your needs, but if you ever feel like giving Ubuntu another try, you should check out a newer release. You may be pleasantly surprised :-)

Good luck

[kaboodle_fish]

I've tried several different versions of Ubuntu on my laptop in hopes of having an alternative OS than Windows, and I can't get the wireless networking going. In truth, I haven't spent countless hours looking for solutions out here on the boards.

There's no denying it. Wireless can be a pain to set up. If you are in the UK then try http://www.linuxemporium.co.uk/products/wireless/ for Linux compatible wireless cards.

This is exactly why Windows clings to the market share it does. You bring it home, and it works. Period. To the average user, jumping through hoops and finding drivers and tinkering is no fun at all. I like to tinker a bit, but really...after an hour...I'm ready to reboot into Windows again. I just want the thing to work!

I respectfully disagree.

Windows does not always "just work". Try setting up a HP printer in Windows and then the same printer in Ubuntu and see which one "just works" Neither OS is perfect but to suggest that the average user does not have to jump through hoops and find drivers to get their Windows computer fully functional and safe to use is a crass inaccuracy.

Also Windows clings to market share with a mixture of at best dodgy and and at worse illegal practices but that is for another discussion.

Go ahead and list all the benefits to Linux. I get it. But if I can't get it going, it's pointless. Hey...I'll look at the bright side....if I can't connect to the internet, at least I won't get any viruses!

I'm sorry...no question here really. Just food for thought.

I guess you must know some or even most of the benefits and social reasons for using Ubuntu or any other GNU/Linux system so all I will say is that if Windows is what you feel suits your wants and needs best then it is not my place to try and convince you otherwise.

[Kinst]

My brother's been trying to install windows XP on a computer he cobbled together for about 5 months now. I guess there's been horrible driver problems or something.

Really installing your own OS from scratch is hit-and-miss eh.