You do need windows for some things

[Hippytaff]

I just discovered a harsh lesson trying to get some photos off a samsung z100 on to my pc. You can't do it with ubuntu/linux, you have to do it on (my virus ridden crancky old) windows machine. Licky I didn't get rid of windows on all my machines :-)

[theraje]

It just goes to show you that vendor lock-in for hardware kicks cute puppies around and makes children cry.

[Austin25]

I would right bad reviews for it.

[Hippytaff]

I agree with you both, but a bad review written write now would consist of to many swear words, but I won't be buying samsung stuff again...I is angry (not with ubuntu though) greedy capitalist... thats why the world is the way it is anyway there we go

[TheNessus]

did you try bluetooth?

[Hippytaff]

did you try bluetooth?
My laptop doesn't have it...I could also have used it as an external storage device, but no sd card in the phone (or the house) so I had to use the designated (windows only) software..grrr

[wojox]

Can't you email pictures to youself and then download them? That's what I do.

[Hippytaff]

Can't you email pictures to youself and then download them? That's what I do.
Not my phone, it's my wifes sisters old phone and the contract has run out, and no other sim card that would work with it without unlocking it and that...would have been easier though.

[3Miro]

In cases like that I install VirtualBox PAEL and use USB from within. At least you don't have to dual-boot or keep an old machine around.

[theraje]

greedy capitalist... thats why the world is the way it is anyway there we go

Careful, this kind of stuff doesn't really mesh well with the CoC...

[holiday]

In cases like that I install VirtualBox PAEL and use USB from within. At least you don't have to dual-boot or keep an old machine around.

Second that! Anyone who has to go into Windows only once every six months or so will be happy using VB.

[Hippytaff]

Don't you need a valid windows disc for a virtual machine?

[Hippytaff]

I thought about using the dedicated software in wine, then thought theres no way it'll be supported...might have been wrong?

[kvant]

Did you set your phone to USB storage device mode?

If you can't do it, why did you buy a phone that can't do it?

If you already had that phone, have that in mind for the future.

[Hippytaff]

not my phone, long story see previous post, but I won't be buyng samsung stuff, and I'm going to have an SD card handy in future :-)

[whoop]

Are you sure you are doing it right? Isn't the cdc_acm driver supposed to support that hardware?
Not sure, though...

[Hippytaff]

Are you sure you are doing it right? Isn't the cdc_acm driver supposed to support that hardware?
Not sure, though...

Nope...nothing worked...the only thing that would have is having a memory card in the phone and using it as an external storage device. But I haven't got one. Tried everything....Windows wins the battle, but it won't win the war :-)

[3Miro]

Don't you need a valid windows disc for a virtual machine?

Form a legal perspective, yes. I have an old disk of XP that I use for VirtualBox, I had no other use for it after I removed my windows partition.

[Old_Grey_Wolf]

Over the years, I have learned to keep a copy of the MS Windows OEM CDs, or keep a MS Windows partition, or a VM of MS Windows. I have no problems using MS Windows if it is the right tool.

There are several reasons to keep a copy of MS Windows. I'm sorry that 2, 3, and 4 are redundant; however, that is how life is:

1) I use my computer to connect to my employer's servers. They have applications that only work with MS Windows; such as, corporate accounting software and project planning.

2) If you have a problem with your computer, and need help from the manufacturer, they may not be able to help you if they can not remotely troubleshoot the problem by using MS Windows. That is understandable in my opinion. If their help desks are trying to troubleshoot problems for customers 98% of the time, and if 1% of their calls are from Linux users, those numbers fall below their threshold for unacceptable performance on trouble tickets.

3) If you have a problem with your ISP, and need help from the service provider, they may not be able to help you if they can not remotely troubleshoot the problem by using MS Windows. That is understandable in my opinion. If their help desks are trying to provide service to customers 98% of the time, and if 1% of their calls are from Linux users, those numbers fall below their threshold for unacceptable service.

4) If you have a problems with devices that can be attached to your computer, and find that the device doesn't work with Linux, they may not be able to help you. That is understandable in my opinion. If their products are trying to be compatible with 98% of the consumer's computers, and if 1% of their calls are from Linux users, those numbers fall below their threshold for unacceptable compatibility.

PS, etc., and etc.

[kvant]

Over the years, I have learned to keep a copy of the MS Windows OEM CDs, or keep a MS Windows partition, or a VM of MS Windows. I have no problems using MS Windows if it is the right tool.

There are several reasons to keep a copy of MS Windows. I'm sorry that 2, 3, and 4 are redundant; however, that is how life is:

1) I use my computer to connect to my employer's servers. They have applications that only work with MS Windows; such as, corporate accounting software and project planning.

2) If you have a problem with your computer, and need help from the manufacturer, they may not be able to help you if they can not remotely troubleshoot the problem by using MS Windows. That is understandable in my opinion. If their help desks are trying to troubleshoot problems for customers 98% of the time, and if 1% of their calls are from Linux users, those numbers fall below their threshold for unacceptable performance on trouble tickets.

3) If you have a problem with your ISP, and need help from the service provider, they may not be able to help you if they can not remotely troubleshoot the problem by using MS Windows. That is understandable in my opinion. If their help desks are trying to provide service to customers 98% of the time, and if 1% of their calls are from Linux users, those numbers fall below their threshold for unacceptable service.

4) If you have a problems with devices that can be attached to your computer, and find that the device doesn't work with Linux, they may not be able to help you. That is understandable in my opinion. If their products are trying to be compatible with 98% of the consumer's computers, and if 1% of their calls are from Linux users, those numbers fall below their threshold for unacceptable compatibility.

PS, etc., and etc.

The wisdom of this post certainly doesn't live up to what I would expect of someone with your username on these forums.

[Austin25]

I haven't had Windows on my laptop in a long time.

[Sean Moran]

Over the years, I have learned to keep a copy of the MS Windows OEM CDs, or keep a MS Windows partition, or a VM of MS Windows. I have no problems using MS Windows if it is the right tool.

There are several reasons to keep a copy of MS Windows. I'm sorry that 2, 3, and 4 are redundant; however, that is how life is:

4) If you have a problems with devices that can be attached to your computer, and find that the device doesn't work with Linux, they may not be able to help you. That is understandable in my opinion. If their products are trying to be compatible with 98% of the consumer's computers, and if 1% of their calls are from Linux users, those numbers fall below their threshold for unacceptable compatibility.

Two weeks ago, I thought it wise to run up a fresh copy of Win XP back to /dev/sda1 for the first time in 18 months before bagging my laptop and heading down to the computer shop to buy an aircard modem.

Six months ago, the same shop told me that they did have aircards conpatible with Linux in stock, but the prices for the Linux-friendly models were three times that of the same thing made for Windows, so I figured it was best to let them demonstrate the product on Win XP and if it worked, I could sort out the rest myself.

Now I have, but I've left the /dev/sda1 there until I am 100% comfortable with the aircard I'm using now. It's only an 8Gb partition, and the bloke in the shop spent an hour loading up all kinds of drivers to the standard install to get all sorts of things like my non-existent ATi drivers to work (I'm using nVidia here), so I'll leave it the way he made it work until I am sure I won't be needing it again.

Yes, we do need Windows for some things sometimes, usually when there are other IT specialists involved who know how to do something in Windows, but don't know how to do the same thing in Linux.

[julio_cortez]

Yes, we do need Windows for some things sometimesExactly. When I arrived this morning in our office there was an awful smell of cigarette that went away only after I opened the windows. :P

Well, I agree that for certain things Windows is still better than Ubuntu. There's nothing wrong in it.
And I somehow understand the opener as I'm in the same situation: to use SonicStage (a proprietary software to manage my Sony mp3 player) I just HAVE to have Windows.
And what is worst, it's a software designed for XP so I HAVE to run it as admin each time I launch it.

[Sean Moran]

Exactly. When I arrived this morning in our office there was an awful smell of cigarette that went away only after I opened the windows. :P

Well, I agree that for certain things Windows is still better than Ubuntu. There's nothing wrong in it.
And I somehow understand the opener as I'm in the same situation: to use SonicStage (a proprietary software to manage my Sony mp3 player) I just HAVE to have Windows.
And what is worst, it's a software designed for XP so I HAVE to run it as admin each time I launch it.
It is not that Windows is 'better' but when I need to go to a shop to buy a new piece of hardware, it is expoected that the 'expert' who gets paid to sell me that hardware will not have a clue what to do unless I can boot my laptop into XP so that he feels at home. Better for him yes, but when will they learn that 100% of customers are always 100% of right, and catch up on the technology?

As for the tobacco, it is wise not to light up in a room unless you have a bed by the window. :)

[kenweill]

3) If you have a problem with your ISP, and need help from the service provider, they may not be able to help you if they can not remotely troubleshoot the problem by using MS Windows. That is understandable in my opinion. If their help desks are trying to provide service to customers 98% of the time, and if 1% of their calls are from Linux users, those numbers fall below their threshold for unacceptable service.


That's my problem too. Every time I have problems with my internet connection, they can't help me troubleshoot the problem unless I'm using Windows.

[Yougo]

every store assistant i ever asked anything tech related about any piece of electronics was either clueless as to what he was selling (i can read the damn card myself thank you, i was asking about the stuff that ISN'T on the card <_< the guy has to look at the card to confirm the microwave isn't a TV!) or actually tried to pull me one (trying to sell me the more expensive 1000 mbit router claiming it would 'increase my wireless internet' --where does he get this stuff?!)

as for service guys demanding windows, my dad had trouble booting up his XP (busted FAT table) so this guy from work came to the rescue. he walks in all confident, sits down, boots, boots again, and tells my dad he can't help because he can't get into windows. duh. ok, so he's a 'friend helping out', but apparently paying them doesn't make them smarter.

last laptop i sent for hardware repair (monitor backlight issues), I shipped wihout my harddrive. none of their friggin' business :-). they can boot from cd or usb, or even plug in their own drive if they need to.

do i still use windows? must say i do have a VBox for software i use for my job. and for tinkering -i like to break something and spend the next two evenings to fix it again :P

[t0p]

It is not that Windows is 'better' but when I need to go to a shop to buy a new piece of hardware, it is expoected that the 'expert' who gets paid to sell me that hardware will not have a clue what to do unless I can boot my laptop into XP so that he feels at home.

Why do you need an "expert" to sell you a piece of hardware? If I need some new piece of equipment for my computer, I buy it, take it home/have it delivered, then set it up and use it. If I don't know how to set it up, I read the instructions. And I'm no "expert".

[Johnsie]

There are a lot of specialist hardware devices that are used in business, mail and manufacturing that require Windows:

There are no certified de-duping packages that can
do a 1400 or 120 mailsort on Linux.

The standard printers that are used for DSA thermal label printing do not have a fully working Linux driver

Many undustry grade printers used by professional printing houses do not have Linux drivers and/management told

The is no proper alternative to Outlook/Exchange/Active Server director for corportate networks

It's much easier to build a wsdl based web services client with comodo encryption in Visual Studio than any IDE for Linux.

[Sean Moran]

Why do you need an "expert" to sell you a piece of hardware? If I need some new piece of equipment for my computer, I buy it, take it home/have it delivered, then set it up and use it. If I don't know how to set it up, I read the instructions. And I'm no "expert".
Well it's quite simple. When I go shopping, I take my little Lucy laptop on my shoulder, and before I pay them my money, I request that they demonstrate to me that their appliance will work. If it works, I pay. If it doesn't work, I go to the shop next door. This is Thailand. Believe half of what you see son, and none of what you hear.

[Swagman]

That's strange.

My Samsung connects to Maverick with no problems.

Just select Mass storage option on the phone.

http://localhostr.com/files/730b0c/Ubuntu94.jpeg

I freely admit I don't particularly like this phone. I acquired it from my daughter who decided she wanted the new Jesus phone but still had a year left on this contract.

So I had to do the "Dad thing" and take over the contract.

[t.rei]

The is no proper alternative to Outlook/Exchange/Active Server director for corportate networks


There. Thats indeed something that keeps me from being able to recommend a full switch to linux for small companies up to corps. :/ And I hate fixing windows systems and the cold sweat on any exchangeserver, datev server, dc upgrade...

[philinux]

Sky.com

It uses silverlight 4.0 for it's sky player. Moonlight is still not at 3.0

forever trying to play catchup. :(

[Sean Moran]

That's strange.

My Samsung connects to Maverick with no problems.

Just select Mass storage option on the phone.


I freely admit I don't particularly like this phone. I acquired it from my daughter who decided she wanted the new Jesus phone but still had a year left on this contract.

So I had to do the "Dad thing" and take over the contract.

Maverick also seems to recognise my aircard without the need to shut out my Atheros standard nor add in all the extra terminal lines to getg it to work like I do on Karmic.'

As much as Lucid and Maverick have the same fault in the panel icons, (where the indicator and window list symbols need a microscope to click on) and I don't need some great big useless envelope clogging up my indicator on the panel, Maverick does seem to have done some good things regarding the hardware drivers and recognition of modern technology.

[MooPi]

I need Microsoft so I can learn how to fix and manipulate the OS for people that break theirs. Games too :)

In a perfect world everyone would use Linux and service desk would be manned by retired folks that don't like to be bothered. They used to be Maytag repair personel and now they occupy a Linux help Desk :) ( hypothetical )

[sdowney717]

My Samsung connects to Maverick with no problems.

Just select Mass storage option on the phone.

have a LG Verizon phone and needed to put songs on it.
Reading the associated paperwork gave no clue.
Called verizon and went thru several tech people who also had limited ideas, one suggesting it needed RHAPSODY installed to work. Sent us to a website that said it would cost a subscription.

Finally Verizon tech support was saying it was not possible to copy songs to this phone.
We kept insisting it is possible. about 30 minutes goes by of trying this or that and sending off to talk to someone else.

FINALLY, she got an LG tech guy on the line and he told me to turn on the mass storage, instantly recognized then as a drive.
He was well educated about the phone and had a Chinese accent so I knew he knew his stuff.

I told them they need to educate their tech suport about how to do things. This was also not anywhere on their online help. VERY VERY frustrating!

[Hippytaff]

I keep saying this, but mass storage only works (on the phone I was using) if there was an SD memory card in the phone - so it is probably more to do with my lack of preparation and equipment than any failings with ubuntu/linux :-)

[julio_cortez]

Sky.com
It uses silverlight 4.0 for it's sky player. Moonlight is still not at 3.0
forever trying to play catchup. :(
Same here with Rai Sport (http://www.raisport.rai.it/): I wanted to watch the Volleyball World Cup matches in the last weekend, but had to use Windows because of Silverlight.

[tropicoola]

For things like this I use mac. never had a Windows PC.

[Nightstrike2009]

I too have had to become a dual booter once again down to poor video editing solutions (from miniDV tape camcorder) on Ubuntu, to be fair the linux community is catching up in this area but until this has been achived I am stuck with Windows/Ubuntu dual boot system.

I am dismayed because I was Ubuntu only for a time but these failings along with lack of ink monitors in printer drivers and incompatibilities with Samsung mobiles have forced me to reinstate Dual boot on my PC (not a descision I wanted to make)

I feel ubuntu is getting there fast as a main OS particularly with 10.04LTS's stability and ease of use, but not quite the all-rounder it will become in the future yet.

[yesrno]

Yea I always have VBox with a virtual Windows XP waiting for my orders. I hardly ever use it (never used it after the install) but who knows ;)

[Nightstrike2009]

Virtualbox puel had problems with my Seagate 1tb external usb drive rendering it inaccessible to VB (though works fine on Ubuntu 10.04 host system).

Virtualbox had some some fairly major limitations (Alongside its new owners "Oracle" trying to sue anyone using Java, RIP Sun Microsystems) like this on my system despite USB support, guest additions and user groups being set up correctly.

Hence the dual-boot status again now. :-(

[I_can_see_the_light]

but I won't be buying samsung stuff again...
I'm a bit surprised because I thought Samsung was kind of linux friendly. My Laser printer (a Samsung ML-1640) actually shipped with drivers+software for linux.

[Nightstrike2009]

I feel the same I have a Samsung g600 and it wont appear in linux or windows using usb data cable (but will charge up this way), but works OK on bluetooth with both (though some images on phone/mem card do not show on linux, but do on windows).

I heard somewhere its a fault with the windows Samsung driver that samsung wont admit, it works ok on some PC's but not others.

Result: last time I buy a Samsung Mobile, Sony or Nokia will probably be next choice after I've checked forum for linux compatibility of course.:-)

[Hippytaff]

I think it's just phones in general, though did I read somewhere about a phone which has open source software as the os, or was I dreaming?

[Nightstrike2009]

Hiya Hippytaff,

Any "Android" phone or "Vodafone 360" models would qualify but usually cost loads sadly. :-(

[Hippytaff]

Hiya Hippytaff,

Any "Android" phone or "Vodafone 360" models would qualify but usually cost loads sadly. :-(

ah...Android, that's it :-)

[yesrno]

If I connect my Nokia phone (X6) to my Ubuntu using an usb cable, I select "Use as mass storage" on the phone. And not a second later it pops up in Ubuntu as a storage device and I can just drag the files from my comp to the phone. Works like a charm :p
And Hippytaff a bit off topic but I found this on wikipedia;



The open source culture has penetrated the smartphone market in a way. There have been attempts to open source both hardware and software of a smartphone. Most notable project from open hardware development is most likely the Neo FreeRunner smartphone developed by Openmoko. Lately, the Google Android OS is a popular open source mobile operating system. Nokia has an initiative around Symbian too, which has open-sourced all Symbian smartphone code in February 2010.[35] Nokia has developed a GNU/Linux-based open-source system Maemo. Later, Maemo was merged with Intel's project Moblin to form MeeGo operating system.

[Hippytaff]

If I connect my Nokia phone (X6) to my Ubuntu using an usb cable, I select "Use as mass storage" on the phone. And not a second later it pops up in Ubuntu as a storage device and I can just drag the files from my comp to the phone. Works like a charm :p
And Hippytaff a bit off topic but I found this on wikipedia;

Interesting quote...thanks for that.

Also...just for the record, I couldn't use the phone as external storage device because there was no SD card in it, which it needed :-)

[Yougo]

I feel the same I have a Samsung g600 and it wont appear in linux or windows using usb data cable (but will charge up this way), but works OK on bluetooth with both (though some images on phone/mem card do not show on linux, but do on windows).

I heard somewhere its a fault with the windows Samsung driver that samsung wont admit, it works ok on some PC's but not others.

Result: last time I buy a Samsung Mobile, Sony or Nokia will probably be next choice after I've checked forum for linux compatibility of course.:-)

my previous phone was a g600. i believe by default, it just charges when usb is plugged in. you can set it to another default, or set it to ask you what to do each time you connect.

>>provided you have an SD card in your phone<< it connects just fine
-modem works too
-syncing in ubuntu didn't do a lot of good. at best the phone would freak out and reboot :P
i used to need windows in a Vbox for that, but now i'm on Android :guitar: