Why Ought I Install Linux Or A Variant?

Cincy Jim · Mar 24, 2020

Apparently Linux can be dressed up to look like Windows. Assumptively it is cheaper & as good if not better, correct?

plodr · Mar 24, 2020

Just because it is dressed up to look like Windows, don't assume it works exactly like Windows. There is a learning curve. If there are Windows programs you have to use, you'll have to search for alternatives to see if you can use linux on a daily basis. You have to test, using a live linux version, to see if what you want works with your hardware: video, audio, network, printer. Probably getting the network up and the printer working will be the most challenging.

I found linux to be too much of a chore. I wanted to like it but didn't. As a result, I won't be installing linux on my husband's Windows 7 laptop because he'd be asking me daily for help.
He can use my 10.1" android tablet to surf safely. The disadvantage to that is if he wants to print anything, he can't. I still haven't been able to print successfully from android. I really don't want to put in a USB stick, save the print job to that, put the stick into a Windows computer then print it out.

Mac20nine · Mar 24, 2020

Well I've read some distros are gettng easier. Personally I'm not happy w/how some things have gone w/W10, and some 'features' of Windows continue to be ham fisted compared to under Linux. I'm taking the plunge and hope to be able to switch back n' forth soon. I don't trust where all this software as a service is going.

But generally: it's supposed to be a more stable OS, installing appls and other ways things are diced = just different. After extensive reading (over years) gotta say there's pros and cons. T-shooting sounds even more horrendous. But lots of resources out there if you devote the time. I believe it'll be well worth it. But I'd still like something "in between" those two options.

harmless · Mar 24, 2020

if you need to run a favorite windows program in linux, take a look at codeweavers crossover:
https://www.codeweavers.com/
it works really well and i've been using it on my mac for years now.
one example is the irfan image viewer, it works very well, for my purposes, under crossover.
and they do have a fully functional, 14 day free trial.
good luck with it.

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Why Ought I Install Linux Or A Variant?

Cincy Jim Private E-2

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

Mac20nine Private E-2

harmless Staff Sergeant