Why does linux have to be so bloody akward?

Legacy_user

I want to use it, but its just to damn akward. I have Ubuntu installed and even just installing a new theme has me stumped. I mean unzip this untar that and it all has to be done via the bloody command line and I am an experience computer user having had Windows since the 3.1 days and Dos 6.2 but this really has my stumped

Marty_J

I think your frustration is probably the reason Microsoft are still in business. Linux has made big strides over the years with regard to its ease of use, but it still has a way to go yet.

I'd recommend getting yourself a good book on the subject. A little bit of research will really go a long way.

John_Gray

I have found the update mechanism on Ubuntu to be more reliable and straightforward than Windows Update - your problem is largely that of unfamiliarity, I reckon.

When Ubuntu works, it usually works fine - but when it doesn't it can be either a right pig, or impossible, to get it to work. For example, an ethernet network connection is just there - but who would think that a bog-standard Zyxel G-120 802.11g wireless cardbus card would appear to have no support available in Ubuntu, eh? :mad:

System

John_Gray wrote: »

I have found the update mechanism on Ubuntu to be more reliable and straightforward than Windows Update - your problem is largely that of unfamiliarity, I reckon.

When Ubuntu works, it usually works fine - but when it doesn't it can be either a right pig, or impossible, to get it to work. For example, an ethernet network connection is just there - but who would think that a bog-standard Zyxel G-120 802.11g wireless cardbus card would appear to have no support available in Ubuntu, eh? :mad:

Oh I had a laptop that no mater what I did could not get wireless to connect

fermi

Have you tried using a different desktop rather than Gnome?

I find Gnome to be a complete pain.:rolleyes:

The newest version of KDE isn't perfect, but it does allow you to install new themes etc automatically from some websites.

For example installing a new colour scheme:

DCFC79

Ive used ubuntu and i do see the OP's frustration,

epz_2

i think you want ark, its a kde program that will intergrate with the desktop and menu commands and you just select extract, you still nned unzip/unrar/tar installed but it does the rest.

one thing to know about linux is almost everything is possible if you know where to look, ms is much more limting.

PsiDOC

https://www.ubuntuforums.com << I am sure that if you post in the newbie users section then someone will help you. They welcome linux converts with open arms and take the attitiude of "the only stupid question is the one you haven't asked"

Good luck with it.

Psi

maniclaughter

As a linux user I have to agree, I could not get on with ubuntu at all. I would always now recommend Fedora especially with the improvements made in Fedora 10. Going back to the original post, to unzip or untar a file in fedora personally yes I do it from the command line but you can just right clck on it and press extract if you prefer the gui. To install a new theme its as simple as going to System -> Preferences -> look & feel -> appearnce all the options are there. I find it strange that ubuntu which some people hail as the best platform for people new to linux does not make it as simple. Perhaps you have an old version its hard to say as I have not used it in years.

System

OK right, Got Fedora all installed and looking rather attractive. It is much better than Ubuntu. However it is a bit sluggish. I'm using a 2.6GHZ P4 with 1.5GB ram. I'd say infact Vista runs quicker on this computer. Why is this?

Marty_J

You've managed to make your Linux desktop look like a Mac, and it's rather pretty.

I used to use Fedora, but it appears to have moved on a bit since then. It certainly didn't look like that.