[Lvlug] PC Linux OS 2007

[David L. Johnson]

Chris wrote:

>> One of linux's strengths is its ability to breath new life into old
>> hardware, Suggesting new hardware seems counter productive to me.
>>
>>   
> I completely disagree. GNU/Linux is not some second rate
> operating system that is only good for breathing new life
> into old computers.

Well, that is not exactly what he said.  It certainly is true that there 
are a lot of nice computers out there which are incapable of running 
Vista, but which would indeed get a second, better life using linux.  I 
do also agree with you that linux is the best choice for many of us from 
the start.

>> And still growing in popularity, a month ago the Ubuntu irc channel
>> averaged 900 users, and now it is averaging 1100.
>>   
> This could be for a ton of different reasons. I wouldn't necessarily
> associate it with growth if I were you although I am not doubting
> that Ubuntu is growing in popularity as GNU/Linux is growing in
> popularity in general.

I think it's pretty clear that Ubuntu is getting a lot of new users now, 
especially neophytes who have never used linux or unix before.  More 
power to them.  With the commercialization of Red Hat, it's good to have 
a solid, easy-to-use distribution available.

>> I highly recommend Ubuntu, I've been using it for over a year, with only
>> one compliant, there is no way to disable automatic updates. I haven't
>> had any problems with update, but having the option to disable it would
>> be nice.
> Be real- GNU/Linux has allot of positives, but if you've only heard
> one complaint about Ubuntu your completely out of touch with
> reality or haven't talked to too many people.

He seemed to me to be saying that _he_ had only the one complaint.  I 
would also suggest that not being able to turn off auto-update is a 
mistake on their part.  I update often, but I want to see what is happening.

  I'll add just two to the
> list of issues. Ubuntu's wireless (at least until the latest edition)
> was either buggy or difficult to use. 

I think it was early 2.6 kernels that had trouble with wireless, not 
specifically Ubuntu.  I also think that is solved now.

The distribution also makes
> installing non-free software difficult. No 'one-click' enabler. 

I don't get that.  You want to install commercial software with one 
click?  Isn't that a matter of sliding in the CD and clicking on the 
proper icon when it shows up?  Maybe they don't let that happen, or 
require a root password.  IMO you should have to su to root to install 
anything systemwide, including updating your machine.

-- 

David L. Johnson

Let's not escape into mathematics.  Let's stay with reality.
		-- Michael Crichton