Linux failed to satisfy old PC Users
Some months ago, i wrote an article “3 Reasons why we shouldn’t use Linux“, after a lot of comments on the article in the favor of Linux, I thought i should also try Linux. So i downloaded Fedora 13. Then i made fedora 13 Live USB and boot my computer from USB, after boot fedora logo came and then system went on Standby. I thought that Linux was loading Files so i waited a long. After 10 to 15 minutes of wait, nothing happened, my system was on Standby, when i pressed power button, system turned off. I thought that was Fedora fault, then i downloaded Ubuntu 10.04, but i faced the same problem with Ubuntu.
I searched a lot on Google, then i found that it was because of Low Graphic Card and Linux Requires Higher Graphic Card. Only High Graphic Cards can Support Linux Frame Buffer, and if someone using Low Graphic Card then he/she will have to disable Linux Frame Buffer. Without Linux Frame Buffer the Graphics are not good, you cannot use high resolution i.e. only available resolution is 640×480.
Linux says “Linux is for everyone”, if Linux is for everyone so why Linux isn’t supporting My GX270 machine with 2.80 GHz and 1 GB DDR RAM? Windows XP, Vista and even Windows 7 works fine on my machine. New Linux is only for those peoples who has higher configuration Computers.
So isn’t it better to switch to Windows, because Windows is for everyone, even for Old Computers.
Well, I am not used to Linux and that’s the problem.
I am afraid you must of been very unlucky as one of my systems is exactly the same as yours – GX270 – and it boots Linux very well indeed. I dual boot mine (WinXP/Linux) and it works without any mods to frame buffers.
Maybe its the choice of Linux. Fedora is known as “bleeding edge” (sic) and from my understanding of Ubuntu is that although it probably the most used distro, it has lately become very poor at doing the basics with the recent releases.
**** … but even none of the Windows XP/Vista/7 support video cards out of box.
So why blame linux for it?
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Download yourself a bunch of Linux distro’s I suggest PCLinuxOS and Linux Mint.
Burn to CD/DVD or Use Unetbootin for Windows to create your install USB and check again. After finding the nicest looking distro install it on your HDD, for questions visit the forums and after 14 days of NOT using Windows I want to see another article by you. Good luck, **.
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You obviously know very little about linux. You mentioned only 2 distros you tried. There are distros that will run your old hardware. Did you try PClinuxOS?. How about Puppy Linux?. I think you gave up to easily. Sure Windows is for everyone. Everyone who pays for it. Then your computer can be controlled by that big Brother in Redmond. Then you can be forced to upgrade and have to shell out more money. I wont even mention the enormous virus threat that Windows users face everyday. I could go on and on. I am trying to figure out if this is a joke or if your are serious. If you are serious man do you have it wrong. Once you find the right distro for you then you will see that Linux is for everyone. Everyone that is willing to learn new things. Linux is not Windows. Thank God for that.
Now go and buy a ball of a sport you don’t practice and write that is not for everyone.
I read your “3 Reasons why we shouldn’t use Linux” and shows little comprehension of what Linux is, go and argue with the owners of the fastest supercomputers on earth. On the other hand I install Linux in old computers (mainly Pentium II and III) of schools in low income areas, son don’t tell me Linux is for “higher configuration Computers”
Linux is not Windows, that’s the first thing to know. I’m not a programmer but I’ve been using Linux for several years now and I was the only person in my office who didn’t format and reinstall every 3 months due to virus, now several use Linux.
Sure, you have to learn to use it, same as the first time you used Windows. BTW I just installed PCLinuxOS 2010.07 (KDE4 and all) in an old machine a VAIO VGN-fs730f, lower specs than your computer but runs fairly well.
If you honestly want to learn to use Linux and invest the proper time come to the forums, people here is friendly and willing to help http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/
Where it says “On the other hand I install Linux in old computers (mainly Pentium II and III) of schools in low income areas, son don’t tell me Linux is for “higher configuration Computers””
should say “On the other hand I install Linux in old computers (mainly Pentium II and III) of schools in low income areas, so don’t tell me Linux is for “higher configuration Computers””
Should say “so” not “son”. Sorry
Try PCLinuxOS.. it’s really worth it.. I have tried it on everyone of my OLD PCs and it works pretty fine..
PCLinuxOS is the best Linux Distro if I may say.. Good Graphics “Even For Old PCs”.. it’s very light..
I use several versions of Linux including Ubuntu and Lubuntu.
The OP didn’t do something right because every machine expect a
netbook I have runs Linux really well. In fact many versions of
Linux don’t need a gb of Ram. Ubuntu is more resource hungry then
some other versions of Linux but works well with 512 mg of Ram.
Any machine that supports XP or 7 should work well with Linux.
I read your three reasons right now and they don’t make any sense whatsoever.
You have failed to acknowledge that even if companies ran only on donations, if the users grew, they would receive more donations. Don’t you think?
And about too many distros, even if all of them did not survive, many of them would.
About application installation, nothing is as easy as linux. I read Apple is planning to have apt based system for their Mac OS (like the iPhone OS, the same is used in Ubuntu).
You said: “New Linux is only for those peoples who has higher configuration Computers”
I don’t quite understand by that. You clearly don’t have an understanding of Linux and that is understandable. You need not have all the information to be able to use it. But to make a comment, you should have at least looked up what sort of devices Linux currently runs on.
About your problems here, I’m sure it is Plymouth related. However, I am not very sure and I don’t know the exact config of your PC so I won’t be able to help much.
You should try out a Ubuntu Alternate Installation CD:
http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/alternative-download#alternate
and If it fails to boot and gets stuck at startup, just go to recovery console and remove plymouth-x11. I don’t know if that will work, but it is worth a try. You can also ask questions in Ubuntu forums.
I’ve used Windows on a professional level ever since version 3.0 until 18 years have come to pass. At that point I made the partial switch to Linux (Ubuntu) with a dual-boot system because I was sick and tired of paying loads of money for the OS and my professional applications, while having to pay for support if problems ever arose since many nitty gritty windows problems can’t be corrected in a matter of minutes by simply going to a forum. Of course security, safety, and licensing were all reasons for trying out Linux (Ubuntu) as well. Currently I’m saving in the neighborhood of 750.00 to 1300.00 dollars per year by no longer paying for any software applications, operating system and upgrades included.
The author of this blog is, in my opinion, not very intelligent. I’m sorry if that sounds offensive but all of the signs are there. He/She never bothered to try out other free Linux distributions, and to make matters even worse, it’s pretty obvious that the author of this blog has very limited technical knowledge in both areas … Hardware specifications and Linux version distributions. So to write this blog with such limited knowledge is actually about as silly as the response that I’m writing right here. Guess I’m not too smart either …. (chuckle).
Anyway, within 6 months of dual-booting Linux (Ubuntu) with Windows, I made the complete switch to Linux and never looked back. Now, almost 2 years later, I’m still using Ubuntu (10.04) but decided that Linux Mint is a better choice for anyone who’s never had a computer before … or PCLinuxOS for the same reason if that person has an older machine. If my 70 year old Dad can start using Linux (Mint) right out of the box with ZERO computer knowledge, then that’s all that needs to be said about Linux being for everyone!
Linux truly is for everyone … but if you’re going to write about Linux you should at least really know what the heck you’re talking about. Sadly, the author of this blog did not do his homework as one should when publishing something for the masses to read. Last but not least, Happy Holidays to everyone who celebrates them!
I would like to take a moment to respond to your 3 reasons why Linux should not be used. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.
YOU WROTE … 1) Companies running on donations
The companies which are making Linux Distributions are running on donation.For Example if all the peoples started using Linux Will this increase the income of companies which are making Linux? off course not because their income depends on donations instead of sale of their OS.But If more and more Peoples use windows then off course the income of Microsoft will increase and they will hire more experienced engineers and will make windows more easier … END OF REASON
MY RESPONSE … Your reasoning is completely backwards. A company such as Microsoft, which has by the way been sued dozens of times (and lost) for copyright infringements and software theft, prevents people from having the freedom that computers should provide by making many things proprietary, unavailable at all, or costly. Not to mention the lack of safety due to viruses, worms, hacking software, and so on. Linux developers, regardless which distribution, are largely VOLUNTEERS WHO ENJOY being able to make a difference for anyone who’s interested in using a computer. That’s why there are so many helpful Linux websites and support forums out there .. with the kind of support that you’ll never get from any commercial company, unless of course, you’re willing to pay even more on top of what you’ve already paid for the software. Linux is for everyone because it’s safe, secure, free, and because it provides absolute 100% user freedom to do whatever he or she wants, while instaling the software as much as he or she wants, and just about any kind of computer there is … even as old as 8 to 10 years.
YOU WROTE … 2) Too many distributions, will they survive?
This is a very important question.As i have already mentioned that all the companies which are making Linux are running on donations.If they receive limited donation it will be very difficult for the companies to keep status of these distributions alive.
So why to have a risk that will you receive updates or not for your OS’s in future.Try a paid OS today and omit this tension from your mind … END OF REASON
MY RESPONSE … I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about. Again, the majority of Linux distribution developers are doing their Linux work for free, in order to make a positive and productive difference in the World. Most of them actually have other full-time jobs, making good money as programmers, engineers, and tech support specialists for commercial software companies (you have to see past Microsoft and Linux). Sure, there are lots of Linux distributions out there, but since they’re largely quite similar (Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, PCLinuxOS, and others) you’ll always have a choice of switching to another Linux distribution at any time, one that grows with you as your computer skills increase. The software and your own files will always be 100% compatible between the different distributions. This is positive, and not negative, since this provides far more choice and freedom to all users of Linux.
YOU WROTE … 3) Difficult to understand
If you compare Linux with any other OS like Windows or Mac OS you will find that Linux is too much difficult than other OS’s.For Example If you want to install a software in Windows or Mac OS you can do this by running a simple installer but if you want to install a software in Linux you will have to install it from a source … END OF REASON
MY RESPONSE … Once Ubuntu or Mint or several other distributions are installed, adding or removing software as well as software updates could not be managed any easier. It’s the simplest method that I have ever seen in my life. You’ll never need to bother with a virus checker either, how cool is that? Theme customization i.e. personalizing the computer for yourself is a snap too. And if you’re a gamer then there are literally over 1000 games to choose from, including 3D games. I truly do not understand how this site can be called “techbirdy” when it is so painfully obvious how little technical knowledge there is, after reading some of the blog posts here. Linux is not more difficult to understand than Windows7 or WindowsVista TO THE FIRST TIME computer user. Windows too, is supposed to be for everyone, but my 75 year old mother hates all of the commercial junk that’s constantly popping up on her screen. It confuses and frustrates her, making her Windows experience a night mare at times. My dad is doing much better with Linux Mint because nothing ever shows up on the desktop which might frustrate or confuse him. His machine BTW is a 7 year old Vaio that I upgraded with 2 GB of RAM and a 1.7 Ghz CPU. Mint runs just beautifully on that old machine … but no 3D graphics which is to be expected. Linux is only a little difficult to understand (as it was for me too at first) if your brain has already been inundated with Windows “stuff & terminology” for several years to begin with. That is not the fault of Linux though. We just have to get used to it and rethink a little which normally takes some time. Give it a couple of months or so and you’d be just happy with Linux too (unless you’re a graphic artist with years of experience who relies heavily on Adobe PhotoShop or Paint Shop Pro – then it may take a little longer).
Anyway, that’s my assessment of your three reasons, made by someone who depended on Microsoft proprietary software for roughly 18 years. I believe that if I can make that switch, then anybody can !!! You just have to be willing to give it a little bit of time.
I use both Windows 7 and Linux Ubuntu 10.10. I like both, I appreciate both, and anyone could choose either one to perform daily tasks, e.g: Office applications, emails, web browsing, listening to musics, watching videos, etc. Linux today can match Windows in any area.
I use Windows when I need to use PhotoShop, Office 2010, etc. Although some of them can be run using wine, but their original Windows version taste better. And although Linux has very good alternatives for those programs, but I still need more time to accustom myself with them (Gimp, OpenOffice, etc).
I use Linux when I need to work with LAMP stack. I am a part time developer and I love to work with the LAMP stack in it’s native OS. I also love Linux because I don’t have to install anti-virus. Last but not least, I also love Linux because it is very highly configurable. I can make Linux to look whatever I like. It’s never boring to sit in front of my laptop running Linux OS.
So I think none is better than the other. Both are good for their’s own reasons. And I think this argument also applies to Mac OSX too.
I would say that perhaps you should have researched Linux before creating your article regarding the reasons not to use it.
Firstly, I’m rather confused that you have graphics problems with your Linux disro. Linux supports both high end and low end graphics and the frame buffer rate should not be an issue as this is hardware controlled and not controlled by the Linux disribution.
The unit you are talking about DOES RUN LINUX and indeed, DEll amongst other manufactures have endorsed the distro for their newer laptops / notebooks so we know that rigourous testing has already taken place.
Linux is used by many worldwide since it is secure and reliable, does not require constant vulnerability updating and third party software to maintain it.
The fact that you can add apps to the system without charge just like and Iphone gives the distro hugge amounts of flexibility. This business model is being adopted by Google with Android. We now see Android on tablet PC’s with the same functionality and indeed, capitalising on the mobile phone marked in the same way allows seamless intergration for the long term. There’s not point in having two differing O/S and Apple have intergrated this very well with the Mac and Iphone models.
Standard applications come with a Linux disribution. The fact that you can start creating word processing documents, sspreadsheets etc straight away without the need for other purchases makes this quite and attractive proposition for home users. The reality of the situation is that a person should be able to buy a computer with full intergration to do all these things since that’s what it’s for…right.
Firefox as a browser application speaks for itself. Fast, reliable, secure.
Watching DVD and listening to music is as easy as placing a disk in the drive.
From a security perspective, Linux doesn’t not suffer virus attacks due to the configutation programming of the software. One example is the use of .EXE files used in Windows based systems. These Executional files make windows systems vulnerable.
Junk clutter build up is another problem which Linux systems do not suffer. You will find that 6 months down the line, you will be booting up and shutting down very fast.
Microsoft Windows isn’t where the market is anymore. Apple have changed that and Android are doing this also. Linux has been around for a long time and all three operating systems offer apps from an app store.
The future of computing is within this model. Good security, ready to go apps and intergration rather than sepration which in turn costs money to the consumer after purchase of the initial O/S.
People don’t want to do this anymore in general, keep buying software (apart from the disk clutter left in your home, lost and scratched disks) and keep having to renew licences.
Portability is the key with tablets. You want to know you can do everything and anything without having to go to PC WProld for more software. Need a map, download the app, need a shop, download the app, need timetable for trains, download the app.
This is what end users want.
Linux is available on netbooks also.
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“I searched a lot on Google, then i found that it was because of Low Graphic Card and Linux Requires Higher Graphic Card. Only High Graphic Cards can Support Linux Frame Buffer, and if someone using Low Graphic Card then he/she will have to disable Linux Frame Buffer. Without Linux Frame Buffer the Graphics are not good, you cannot use high resolution i.e. only available resolution is 640×480.
…New Linux is only for those peoples who has higher configuration Computers.
So isn’t it better to switch to Windows, because Windows is for everyone, even for Old Computers.”
You should have searched more. You clearly spent all of 30 seconds researching this article. If this is true, just how the ** is Puppy running on my 12 year old laptop at 1024×768 res–and running very well thank you–a laptop that a fresh install of XP grinds to a halt?
I have another desktop PC with 1.4Gz AMD AthlonXP 1600+ with 512 MB DDR1 RAM and an Nvidia GeForce 440MX w/ 64MB VRam that is running Debian Squeeze without a problem at 1280×1024 res.
Linux runs fantastic on old hardware. In fact it’s the reason many people switch to Linux because M$ discontinues support for their older OSes and the new ones are bloated pieces of crap that require modern hardware.
You know, making a post about how you found it difficult run a particular Linux distro off a usb stick, or that you had problems installing it correctly on your hardware is all well and good, but just to make blatently inaccurate statements like “Linux Requires Higher Graphic Card” or “New Linux is only for those peoples who has higher configuration Computers” is irresponsible.
And saying that Windows is for older computers as well as new is just not the case either. Microsoft wants people to buy new PCs every 5 years–of course and OEM with Windows pre-installed. That’s why they ramp up the system requirements exponentially with every version.
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