Re: Take the Linux Tech Survey (Podcast #3)
THE LINUX TECH SURVEY
When was the first time you actually heard of this thing called Linux?
It was about 1998.
Do you or have you ever used Linux? If yes, for how long?
Yes. Since 7/2008.
What was the first Linux distro you used?
Ubuntu 8.04.1 Hardy Heron.
How was your first time Linux experience?
As a noob computer user coming from Windows XP, my windows experience was becoming more and more negative, hence the search for something else. I tried Ubuntu first (I heard the name on some forum in the past.), to see what it was about. AFAIK, a firewall was critical to have working proper. I tried setting up Firestarter (My noob choice at the time.)on Ubuntu 8.04.1 I could not get the Firestarter firewall to lock correctly, it was buggy. Since I was aware that a firewall is important, it was time for me to look for a different Distribution. To Firestarter's credit, I did really like the ability it had to visually monitor in/out connections with IP addresses (I would like to find a tool, now that has this ability).
Then I tried Fedora 9 (I really, really wanted this one to work for me.) Fedora 9 for me was not very new user friendly: lots of breakage, not so much for "out of the box" working tools-touchpad setup was annoying. Now to be fair, I really like Fedora 9's firewall setup-easy and it worked proper.
The "3rd times a charm" was Mandriva (forgot which number for 2008 ). For me Mandriva at that time everything seemed to work very well, only thing was when enabling a "unofficial" repository, sometimes conflicted with "official" repository. Wow, this getting long-"Wrap it up" I tried Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid Ibex, about 2 months after release, pretty much been with Ubuntu since. Whew.
Do you agree that Linux can efficiently do all the daily computing tasks that an average user would do?
Now, yes. Although, I hear and read "the gaming issue" comes up a lot. For me the gaming is sufficient. Suggestion, get more manufacturers to make a Linux version of the same game. I for one, would be happier to dish out some bones for a game for Linux Vs. Windows. It personally, takes a lot to interest me in a game. I would say on average per year 2 new games (max 4) interest me, in considering making a purchase.
What's your favourite Gnome Linux distro and why?
Ubuntu, of course a close 2nd is Ultimate Edition. Why? Mostly everthing works "out of the box", no jumping through hoops. No Bloat. Easy to add what you like, easy to remove what you don't. Easy to customize. Linux in general: nearly no viruses, no spyware or no other malware. "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery", how many time Disto X is based on Debian or Ubuntu. Another big one: rare breakage.
What's your favourite KDE Linux distro and why?
Linux Mint, beacuse it is very polished. Also Mandriva, because they implement a lot of what people request, like customizing start menu and more. Kubuntu is really good, needs work though: fine tune to not be a resource hog. The current beta of Kubuntu 10.04, even though it's a beta, there are too many zombies.
What Linux desktop environment do you like?
GNOME is 1st. KDE is a close 2nd, then Enlightenment, then LXDE or OpenBox, last Xfce.
Linux is for a. Pros b. Noobs c. Both
Both. Caveat: some patience and willing to learn a different OS.
what are some of the things that Linux gives you that other OS's dont?
Community, Openness, good help, much choice and better security.
What is/are some of your favourite Linux application(s)?
VLC, Chromium Browser, gedit,terminal/Guake, Gnote, Rythmbox, exaile,Xiphos, Gtkhash,Gimp, Mirage, Gthumb, Thunderbird, Pidgin, Sunbird, OpenOffice,K3B, Esperanza, MiniTube, Arista, OggConvert, BleachBit, Htop and I could go on.
What are some of the things you would like to see improved in Linux?
As mentioned before (more so for others) retail games also available on Linux OS. OpenOffice: keep improving to go past MS Office. A photoshop killer proggie. More themes in repositories. SongBird secure for Ubuntu? More Ogg and Flac files available on the new music store 7Digital (so far so good). A good tool to visually monitor internet connections: who with IP addresses.
If those things are fixed, would you switch to Linux (assuming you don't use Linux as your primary OS)?
For me, I already am. For others, I am sure this would help to win over, other people that are looking for a new OS.
Thanks to everyone, for allowing me to share MHO and thoughts.
Last edited by D1Knight; March 25th, 2010 at 08:05 AM.
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