Quote:
Originally Posted by OldTimer97  I am not very knowledgeable in linux operating systems. Can anyone here tell me the system requirements for the latest version of Ubuntu? I have not been able to find that anywhere. It would greatly increase the efficiency of the system I currently run.
I understand from friends of mine that Ubuntu is freeware, and this also helps me immensely, but I still have questions, and I'm unsure if this is the right step to accommodate some of my digital hobbies. |
Be warned. Ubuntu is NOT easy, especially if you've ever used Windows or Mac OS before.
First off, installations are VERY different. Instead of:
1. download executable
2. run it
3. click next 4 times
4. run program from desktop or start menu
in Linux it's
1. find tarball file hidden deep in the website
2. download it
3. move tarball to the folder where installation is to take place
4. read readme file that tells you you need to add some repositories for the program to work at all
5. open up library
6. download extra sets of repositories needed to open the tarball
7. figure out which repositories on a list of over 2000 relate to your program
8. check them off and wait for installation
9. reboot (though Linux calls it "logoff")
10. start up repository library again to get the ones that needed a reboot
11. go back to tarball folder
12. open up readme file that came with the tarball again,
13. find series of 5 or so commands that are needed to start the program
14. type in first command
15. copy error message from first command
16. post it into a usergroup so they can tell you that the command was not implementable with your 2.24.314159265 kernel
17. download homemade patch created the next day by friendly usergroup person,
18. place patch next to tarball
19. type cryptic series of commands included with patch
20. assume everything went well because you didn't get an error
21. go back to desktop
22. realize none of that made any kind of shortcut to the program
23. go back to program directory only to find that nothing in that directory is executable
24. get frustrated and reinstall Windows.
This happened to me 4 times with three different flavors of Linux. Thankfully I got smart after the first time and used Live CD's, because I knew I'd need to go back to Windows. Two of those times were with Firefox! They should know better.
Also, there are a lot fewer programs available.
I keep trying Linux because I like rooting for the underdog, and I really, REALLY want to like it. But, it's not even close to being a usable operating system. Free is great, but you really get what you pay for.
But yeah, as useless as it is, it'll run on practically anything with a power switch. If I haven't completely discouraged you from trying Linux (and believe it or not, I hope I haven't!) then use a Live CD. You can download them for free, and boot from the disc. When you realize it's not useful for anything but server networking, you can reboot wo Windows, with no harm done to your real OS.