Did I want to run Linux?

Yes and why ... because I was convinced by the "Linux crowd"? Because I wanted free software? Because I have read so many times that it was a piece of cake to use? No ... none of that. I installed it because I thought it would be fun and simply because I wanted to have something different. That's all ... simply wanted something different.

The above happened about a year ago ... so I am quite new to this whole Linux experience, but willing to share my experience so far. Simply because I have learned that this is a true part of the Linux world, share your experiences and knowledge. So how has the ride been so far ... all fun and pleasure ... surely not. But it sure was fun most of the time.

The "box" that I started out on is a Dell Latitude D620 desktop, with 2.6gHz dual core processor, 2GB of memory and an nVidia graphics driver (Quadro NVS 110 M). The latter being one of the immediate challenges. At that time nVidia was not as supported as it is claimed to be today, so I had to install the drivers from nVidia myself. I praised myself lucky having (some) Unix experience and being old enough to know the DOS prompt, so the terminal was not completely unfamiliar for me. I am sure if someone is not familiar with a terminal, this could be an "intimidating" challenge.

In the meantime I have "survived" two upgrades of my Ubuntu installation, from Dapper to Edgy (October 2006) and from Edgy to Feisty April 2007). Do the upgrades go flawlessly, well the biggest part does. There will be tweaks to be done and occasional dependency issues. Meaning that the software package installed or to be installed depends on a software package that is not (yet) available. But all in all doable if you are willing to overcome the fear for the terminal. A terminal may sound scary, but it is something that you MUST learn to work with. Linux is simply not just "plug & pray". It will occasionally demand that you take control, something that you may not be used to (anymore) due to the fact that Windows does everything for you. Or at least pretends to do everything for you and maybe occasionally more than you have asked for.

What else have I learned ... I learned about Virtual Machines. A virtual machine (VM) is basically what the name already indicates a virtual "computer" within your computer. Allowing you to make your computer act as if it was two, three or more computers. I personally may have more virtual machines installed, but basically never run more than one virtual machine at the time. Where do I use these for ... well one VM has Windows XP installed, simply because I need it for my work.

If I have another VM running it is mostly to test or try out another Linux distribution. Partially as a learning experience, since you have to install and/or run the distribution as if it is installed/ran on an actual computer. In the meantime I have so tried PCLOS (PCLinuxOS), Debian, Elive, Zenwalk, DSL(-N), Knoppix, Kanotix, SLAX and various others. What you learn from this is that there are many Linux distributions, some feel familiar (similar to Ubuntu) some are completely different, but also from that you learn. Furthermore I have always one VM with the newest release of Ubuntu (as soon as a version is released, the next version becomes available as test). Also always nice for learning, since in these releases things will break!

Furthermore the free availability of software triggered me to try out various versions of available software. For example there are numerous music players. I have tried most of them, deleted the ones I did not like and retained the one(s) that suited my needs. This is basically possible for all sorts of software. No forced choices for certain software, freedom of choice!

This all is pretty much software and hardware related. What I additionally learned, and THIS is what got me hooked on Linux, is the community spirit. Regardless what distribution you run, if you have an issue go over to the respective forum, ask your question and you are helped. No need to be embarrassed over the fact that you feel a "newb" or a "n00b". Everyone in the community has been once! This resulted in me being active and remaining active in various forums. One being the forum related to this site,debiantutorials.org. The other forums that I am mainly active in are Xmod-Free Linux Forums and the Ubuntu Forums.

So my conclusion of one year with Linux ... I am pleased that I did change over. I thought me that there are still really helpful communities/persons. It learned me that you can be in control of what you want to run on your PC. That you have freedom of choice in the software you want to run, that you have freedom of choice on what you want your desktop to look like (yes, even in this software there are numerous choices). Is Linux the right choice for everyone .... hmm .... I don't think so. I belief that if someone chooses for Windows, in the sense that (s)he is aware of the options but still believes that Windows does suit his needs best. Fine. If you are NOT willing to read and learn or are a "terminal-phobic", do NOT try Linux. You'll be frustrated or become even more insecure.

For all others ... give it a try! Don't be afraid to make mistakes, don't be afraid to ask questions and I am pretty sure that a year from now you'll feel the same way I do now.
--Resa

To be continued.....

Happy Computing

-- machiner 2 Aug 2007

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