Anyone here use Linux?

raptorman

And thanks zz9pa(not sure how to pronounce that name), the geexbox looks very interesting, could be ideal for my purposes.

GreenNotM

MercilessKiller wrote:

...... I didn't say it doesnt?

Linux is based around and concentrated on the Terminal.

Windows has more input into the GUI.

I didn't say there isn't a cmd though!

Kinda agree - a server does not need the overhead of a nice GUI - it just that the GUI takes (keeps) people away from the CLI which is more powerful (then the GUI) and possibly dangerous.... in the wrong hands

raptorman

Just to confirm, the pc used for this project will be a basic cheapo secondhand jobbie so no major fancy bits to worry about. It won't be networked or connected to the interweb, it will just be like a stand alone mediacentre/jukebox/digital photo displaying type thing(if you catch my drift).

Just want to create something unusual with a pc and thought linux looked like an interesting starting point.

wolfman

Sounds perfect for a linux project. Ubuntu is probably the easiest distro to pick up. You will need an internet connection to at least get it setup. In fact surely you'd want it on the network so that data can be shared/streamed etc...

bat999

Hi raptorman

I'm a happy Ubuntu user.

You said that your PC won't be connected to the www.

Really, with Ubuntu, it would be best if you were connected - at least occasionally.

Ubuntu has updates almost every other day, though these might not be critical to you if you're just using it for a jukebox/photo album.

But if that's all you're going to do with it you could just use Windows 98 or 2000 and have zero hassle.

Ubuntu is best but I can't imagine using it without being online.


:cool:

gaming_guy

i have been using live boot cd's, but they are slow to load because of the data being read from the cd, apart from that it was very easy to use

kingmonkey

No need for updates if your PC is working correctly and not connected to the internet - unless you want more functionality.

I wouldn't say Windows is more usable than linux, its just that your coming to linux with a windows way of thinking. Windows makes no sense to me at all.

Bash is much easier to use and much more powerful than ms dos or whatever its called these days.

There is a wide range of programs to use with linux, just not proprietary ones made my small companies or individuals.

I would say having a dns or smtp server is more geeky than using linux as a desktop.

The GUI in Linux is brilliant and well thought out. Its not ugly like it was 8 years ago. If problems go wrong then it is easier to paste commands into bash than to click on start>then goto control panel> etc

Blacksheep1979

raptorman have a look at mythtv can be configured to be a video player and play cd's etc - can run on a fairly low powered/cheap pc.

Skint1

Another Ubuntu Edgy 6.10 user here. I'm not a geek either. Linux has come a long way give it a go. Try it as a Jukebox/Photo storage. You might like it enough to use as your main OS. Games support is limited.

Darksun

kingmonkey wrote:

Bash is much easier to use and much more powerful than ms dos or whatever its called these days.

Actually, the Windows XP command prompt is pretty powerful compared to its 9X counterparts. Plus, you can run Bash (or many other shells) on Windows.

The GUI in Linux is brilliant and well thought out. Its not ugly like it was 8 years ago.

There are many GUIs for Linux based Operating Systems. Not saying that they're not good, just pointing out that the default GUI/Window Toolset may not be the same in all distros.

If problems go wrong then it is easier to paste commands into bash than to click on start>then goto control panel> etc

Well, sometimes. I can fix a lot of problems in the Windows Command Prompt aswell though. If you don't know the command it's a problem though, and when I use Linux I quite frequently use the GUI to configure options.