Linux: How much does it not suck?

This is in response to Vijay’s post about Linux – which clearlycreated much traffic (views) and controversy (worst voted and highestvoted on blogidol).

Linux does not Suck

Linux does not suck. It only sucks ifyou have never tried it or are afraid to try an open-source operatingsystem. I did such a thing last year and could not have been moreimpressed. Further, Ubuntu released v9.04, arguably a huge improvementover it’s much-hyped 8.04 release last year.

This past weekend I put my words to action, because talk is cheap. I installed Ubuntu and gave it a test-drive.

There is only one single disclaimer Linux should not be run as asole operating system: PC games. There are emulation programs (”wine”for example) that enable gaming. The work-around is to dual-boot…haveboth XP and Linux on the same machine, and choose how you want to startyour day with (Linux or Windows).
Ease of installation: 10/10
No issues, and Ubuntu installed like a champ. Video drivers and wireless all worked flawlessly.
Tip: Do not run the “upgrade.” Better to start from scratch.

Bonuses:
Ubuntu loads much quicker. Gone are the bootup times that were equivalent to Windows XP.

Software: 8/10
All free. More importantly, a suite of everything is included in UbuntuLinux. This includes OpenOffice, Pidgin (instant messaging), and freephoto editor (Gimp) just to name a few.

Tip: Loading from CD to “trial” Ubuntu is a greatidea but it runs very, very slow. It’s not the real thing. I wouldrecommend that you install it on the computer.

Aesthetics: 12/10
That’s right. it gets over 100%. I really like the small things Ubuntuuses. For example, Ubuntu immediately applied my installation settingsfor Toronto, Canada. On the toolbar the local weather for Toronto isdisplayed. Genius. “Tabbing” between applications? Hey, it looks likeVista but I did not have to buy Vista to get the same interface.

Administration: 7/10
There are still a few nuances that a newbie will have to learn. Forexample: SU. What’s Super-User? What’s Root? These little things areimportant things a newbie will need to learn. Thankfully, Linux, andmore specifically Ubuntu forums, offer amazing support. You just needto know where to find the answers.

Security: 10/10
Ubuntu Linux will not even let you create a user account unless you create a “strong” password.
Viruses? I think not. As posted by a comment on that other blog entry that Linux sucks:

“Getting a virus in Linux is having a mile wide asteroid set to destroy the planet land directly on your house.”

For Advanced readers:
Enable EXT4 – Why?
It is so much faster. In Ext3, “fsck” would take about 90 seconds toboot. In ext4, it takes 8 seconds. Overall, the “feel” is so muchsmoother and more responsive.

Run in 64 bit mode by downloading the 64-bit version of Linux. Mostmachines now have over 4GB of memory. In Windows and in Linux orUbuntu, only 3-3.5GB is accessible. On 64bit, all of the memory isusable by the operating system.

Conclusion: How much does Linux suck? Zilch. It does not. I wouldpredict that any such claims will continue to give Linux and Ubuntu thecredit it deserves. Maybe 2009 is the blowout year for Linux.

Ubuntu Linux

If you liked this entry, here are my writings (to be honest, every viewof my further writings will be a vote against “how much does (linux)suck”) for this contest at itworldcanada:
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