Linux is crap.

That's uncalled for. Since its inception, it's improved tremendously, shame I can't say the same for Windows & I've been using that for over a quarter of a century!

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Linux is crap.

That's uncalled for. Since its inception, it's improved tremendously, shame I can't say the same for Windows & I've been using that for over a quarter of a century!

Sirius

Have to say I agree 100%.

@Renee

I assume that statement was to start a flame? Won't go down well here!

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Linux is crap.

Rather a silly opening post for your number 4 post. You haven't a clue then.

Just one example:

Top 500 Supercomputers - Operating system Family / Linux

The showing for all other OSes in that is worryingly low.

Oh, and Linux is flexible enough to also run on your Smartphone (Android Bionic/Linux).

And then there is the venerable GNU/Linux combination that I'm using to type this.


IT is what we make it,
Martin

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See new freedom: Mageia Linux
Take a look for yourself: Linux Format
The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3)

Linux is crap.

Linux is only as good as the person administrating it.

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#resist

Linux is crap.

Rather a silly opening post for your number 4 post. You haven't a clue then.

Martin, as far as he is concerned he is correct. He wants things that Linux can not deliver in an O/S. Things such as not having to type YUM, but being able to go to a store and buy a DVD that just installs when you put it in a drive, because it works with every possible version of the O/S out of the box.

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Linux is crap.

Rather a silly opening post for your number 4 post. You haven't a clue then.

Martin, as far as he is concerned he is correct. He wants things that Linux can not deliver in an O/S. Things such as not having to type YUM, but being able to go to a store and buy a DVD that just installs when you put it in a drive, because it works with every possible version of the O/S out of the box.

Oh God... (Yawn!)

That old silly silliness again?!


Unless you have a Microsoft locked-down UEFI boot new machine, or a completely locked down Apple machine, you can take the 'free' DVD that comes with the high street magazine Linux Format and:

Insert DVD into a PC or laptop;
Boot from the DVD into a helpful bootloader screen from the DVD;
Then select to try whichever Linux distros are being showcased for that month.

Usually, the entire OS can run from just the DVD and system RAM. Your HDD/SSD is not even touched unless you want to look at the HDD/SSD. So yes, you can take a wander through all your Windows/Apple files from the GNU/Linux or BSD or whatever you've clicked on to try.

No install needed! (Although installing is vastly faster than running from a slow DVD.)

And usually now, it's a single click to install onto your HDD/SSD. If you select to use all the defaults, it is little more than a single click and a "Are you really sure you wish to erase all data?" 'are you sure' check.

As always, you have a choice to be more elaborate to repartition, go dual boot, or multiboot, or lots of choice not available from certain other systems...


Gary:
What more could you want other than your life living for you?

Take a look on Google for the latest selection of Linux desktop screenshots.

And there's all the usual wealth of Linux distro sites and groups all across the www.

IT is indeed what you make it for yourself,
Martin


(Apologies for the inevitable pun upon the other Godly threads alive on the forums at the moment...)

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See new freedom: Mageia Linux
Take a look for yourself: Linux Format
The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3)

Martin,

You missed by a mile. I'm not talking about the O/S itself. I'm talking about going into an office store and buying an application program. Is there a box with GIMP there next to Photoshop? Is there a box with Open Office there next to Office? What is there on the shelf for Quickbooks or Peachtree with a "Works with Linux" label? How about Access or Filemaker? I'm obviously not saying that applications aren't available, I am saying the method of distribution sucks.

When Linux gets standardized enough that the same binary will run on all flavors, then perhaps it has a chance. Until then it is a specialty niche product.


Oh, as a side note I just saw where Windoze is a requirement today for any US business that has employees. Seems that to be able to pay employment tax to the Federal Government you must be using either Windows Internet Explorer or Windows Firefox. No other browser supported by EFTPS. It may work, but are you willing to gamble a tax payment that it does? So for this Linux is a fail.

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When Linux gets standardized enough that the same binary will run on all flavors

I'm not gonna get into a whole thing here on the subject, but typically something packaged up for linux will run on any distro... Now, obviously an ".rpm" file is specific to redhat and a .deb specific to debian family, but a .tar file which is simply a "linux" package, can be used on any distro. Also programs built on java or python, work on any linux. I just installed a whole slew of wares for my 3d printer project, and none of these wares were distro specific, they will all run on any release of linux. So it is a little false to assume that distro choice makes it hard to get working software, granted you may have to work at things a little to make 'em work...

Also, I'm curious why you would want to go to the store and buy something when you can just download it for free? You seem sad that you can't go to the store and waste money when it comes to GNU wares. But if you are interested I would be willing to sell you or anyone some DVD roms.

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#resist

Also, I'm curious why you would want to go to the store and buy something when you can just download it for free?

It isn't me we were discussing. It was a hypothetical reason a different poster could have for thinking "linux is crap."

I'm not gonna get into a whole thing here on the subject, but typically something packaged up for linux will run on any distro... Now, obviously an ".rpm" file is specific to redhat and a .deb specific to debian family, but a .tar file which is simply a "linux" package, can be used on any distro.

Really? So something written for a kernel that has the pthread extension will work on a kernel that doesn't have pthreads? Somehow I doubt that. You see you promoters are forgetting what "any" means. You restrict it to the same version of the kernel.

Also programs built on java or python, work on any linux.

I did say binary didn't I? Not a data file for an application such as Java or Python. You do understand that what you call the program is really just a data file for the interpreter which is the real application.

I just installed a whole slew of wares for my 3d printer project, and none of these wares were distro specific, they will all run on any release of linux. So it is a little false to assume that distro choice makes it hard to get working software, granted you may have to work at things a little to make 'em work...

Work a little. Suppose that is never an option. After all a user should not need special knowledge to install software. That is the job of the person writing the software. Just make it work on any (all) version.

Perhaps another way to look at this is, is Linux a fail if the person owning their first system is a slightly computer phobic resident of an old age home. Just consider if it really is the end all and be all for everyone. If the answer is no then the poster can legitimately claim it is crap from his perspective, whatever it is.

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...is Linux a fail if the person owning their first system is a slightly computer phobic resident of an old age home.

A cool way to look at this one, I feel strongly that someone new to computers, even an older folk, could find Ubuntu/Unity to their liking. click an icon and the program opens. No fuss. Nothing confusing. (Unfortunately that's why people like myself HATE Unity.)

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#resist

There's lots of goodness happing in FLOSS as ever, too much to ever hope to list. Just to list a single item of excitement that has hit the news is:


Open Source ARM userland

Today we have some really big news, which is going to mean a lot to many programmers in our community ...

As of right now, all of the VideoCore driver code which runs on the ARM is available under a FOSS license (3-Clause BSD to be precise). The source is available from our new userland repository on GitHub. If you’re not familiar with the status of open source drivers on ARM SoCs this announcement may not seem like such a big deal, but it does actually mean that the BCM2835 used in the Raspberry Pi is the first ARM-based multimedia SoC with fully-functional, vendor-provided (as opposed to partial, reverse engineered) fully open-source drivers, and that Broadcom is the first vendor to open their mobile GPU drivers up in this way. We at the Raspberry Pi Foundation hope to see others follow.


Quite a positive shocker! Also, all likely for very good and positive reasons.

Almost as big a surprise perhaps as the large contribution (for rather different reasons) of code under GPLv2 made to Linux by Microsoft (supposedly, "GPL is a cancer to everything it touches" to paraphrase Steve Ballmer of Microsoft)...


Excellent stuff!

IT is positively what we make it!
Martin

---

See new freedom: Mageia Linux
Take a look for yourself: Linux Format
The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3)

Now here's a very practical move that can only be for the good of everyone and very good for removing the threat of extortion from a large swathe of true development and innovation:


Let’s Limit the Effect of Software Patents, Since We Can’t Eliminate Them

Patents threaten every software developer, and the patent wars we have long feared have broken out. Software developers and software users – which in our society, is most people – need software to be free of patents.

The patents that threaten us are often called “software patents,” but that term is misleading. Such patents are not about any specific program. Rather, each patent describes some practical idea, and says that anyone carrying out the idea can be sued. ...

... A Different Approach: Limit Effect, Not Patentability

My suggestion is to change the effect of patents. ...



An interesting idea...

IT is what we make it,
Martin

---

See new freedom: Mageia Linux
Take a look for yourself: Linux Format
The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3)

As I recently ditched windows, and have been GNU only for many months now, printing became an issue with my existing dated printers. As only certain printers will work on Linux and it's hit-or-miss.

So being about time for a new printer anyways, I set out to do some research about printers and Linux.

Simply put, long story short, HP supports free software printing capabilities at almost 100%. No other vendor does this.

I'm sure it may have been covered by Martin in the past, but HP a few years back now started a project called HP Linux Imaging and Printing aka: HPLIP.

Yes I like to support Open source. I support it by using it, contributing input, and even building things based on open source designs.

The lesson here is there is no other printing vendor out there that went out of their way to support FLOSS, and this is why HP will be my printer manufacturer of choice from now on. In a couple days I'm ordering a SOHO grade office printer that is FULLY supported on EVERY distro that I use (Debian, Ubuntu and Linux Mint).

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#resist

A brief recent selection from the ever fast-paced positive developments in the world of Linux and FLOSS:

(In no particular order)


Does it run Minecraft? Well, since you ask...

There’s a question that we’ve been asked almost every day by someone or other – does the Raspberry Pi run Minecraft?

It does now...


Android 4.2: A visual guide to what's new

Android users have a new treat on the way this holiday season. Google's Android 4.2 release debuted last week with the launch of the Nexus 4 smartphone and Nexus 10 tablet. The software is now in the midst of rolling out to other Nexus devices...


UK Government establishes royalty free open standards

The UK Government has now, definitively, established a definition of open standards as royalty free. The Cabinet Office has published a list of Open Standards Principles PDF which define an open standard as one made through a transparent, collaborative process, fairly accessible for zero or low cost, mature and supported by the market. ...

... The principles themselves are: ... The document offers explanatory statements, rationale and implications for each of these principles. The development of future government open standards is also covered...


Why I Use Generic Computers and Open Source Software

Do you depend on your computer for your living?...

... The Bottom Line

Inexpensive stock parts work well for my hardware and software needs. They're easily replaceable so I enjoy 100% availability. Low cost, high security, and good privacy are extra benefits. What are your requirements and what desktop strategy do you use?


Jim Zemlin: Proprietary Software Is Doomed

Jim Zemlin, executive director of the Linux Foundation tells Silicon News that Linux and open source must win in the end...


German city says OpenOffice shortcomings are forcing it back to Microsoft

The city council in Freiburg, Germany, is planning to ditch an open source office suite and go back to using Microsoft Office.

But on Friday, German open source developers reacted angrily, saying that the city uses outdated software and did not consider upgrading to a current version of LibreOffice or OpenOffice.org.

In a draft resolution discussing IT problems, Freiburg's city council said it was in favor of migrating from the outdated OpenOffice 3.2.1 it is using in combination with Microsoft Office 2000 to Microsoft Office 2010...

... no open source experts were consulted in the process...


Linux brings over €10 million savings for Munich

Over €10 million (approximately £8 million or $12.8 million) has been saved by the city of Munich, thanks to its development and use of the city's own Linux platform. The calculation of savings follows a question...

... Costs that are not related to the operating system, such as staff and training costs, were identically listed at around €22 million (£17 million) in all three scenarios. Overall, the project says that Windows and Microsoft Office would have cost just over €34 million (£27 million), while Windows with Open Office would have cost about €30 million (£24 million). The LiMux scenario, on the other hand, has reportedly cost less than €23 million (£18 million). ...


A close look at Linux Mint 14: Windows 8 without the bad bits

This week, the developers behind the Ubuntu-based Linux Mint distribution announced the availability of Mint 14 (Nadia), and we installed it for a look at the goodies the OS offers. The new release boasts a number of incremental under-the-hood improvements and tweaks. It combines the Linux 3.5 kernel, Ubuntu 12.10 base, and the latest versions of the MATE 1.4 and Cinnamon 1.6 desktop environments. The edition of Linux Mint 14 with the Cinnamon desktop is particularly interesting as it has created a hybrid between Ubuntu’s HUD interface and the traditional Gnome UI that is as usable and fluid as ever. ...


Android and Linux on a dual-booting tablet for $100

It likely won’t be as sleek or fast as a Nexus 7 or Nexus 10, but a new tablet running both Android and Linux is in the works for open source enthusiasts and lovers of low-budget devices. ... (on crowdfunding!)


What makes the ZaReason Zima 930 the best All-in-one?


System76: Sable Complete - The Ultimate Desktop Experience



And for some fun historical through to current positive controversy:

The Legacy of Linus Torvalds: Linux, Git, and One Giant Flamethrower

Linus Torvalds created Linux, which now runs vast swathes of the internet, including Google and Facebook. And he invented Git, software that’s now used by developers across the net to build new applications of all kinds. But that’s not all Torvalds has given the internet. ...


The history of Linux: how time has shaped the penguin

A nostalgic look back at Linux, its distros and its colourful history



IT is very much what we make it!
Martin

---

See new freedom: Mageia Linux
Take a look for yourself: Linux Format
The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3)

OMG, shock, horror - Martin, don't you go having a heart attack.

Windows 8 & it's paid for add-on, Media Center is reasonable enough as previous versions, I suppose.

However, after reading the MS Press "Windows 8 Inside Out", there were several references to other media players.

On checking one of them out, found that not only is it open source but an orginal app for Microsoft of all people! Namely XBox Media Center.

The latest version is XBMC 12 Frodo RC1 & it's an awesome program!

Microsoft, are you watching? This is how to give your customers quality!

Haven't tested the pictures or Music library yet, but the Movies & TV libraries are awesome!

XBMC

Screenshot of XBMC on my system: -



Looking forward to adding the rest of my film collection, all 6000 of them.

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Hey M$, got something for ya....

(Max Bygraves voice on)

Wanna tell ya a story. Downloaded & installed XBMC, but unfortunately the scaper for IMDb went awry, so TMDb was recommended instead. Of the 192 films on drive T, three were not being seen by XMBC, so looked into why.

Simple enough reason, the films were not in their database. Now being a movie afficado, this went against the grain, so headed over to "The Movie Database" site & found that it is wikipedia like in its foundations.

Now MS, this next bit is just for you!

Created an account on TMDb & entered all 3 films - all good & well. Once entered on the system, there are numerous editing options to add/change or even delete wrong info.

Attempts to do this for all 3 were to no avail, so its off to the forum to find out why.

Find that several others having the same issues, until one poster recommended changing browsers as he had done the updates for the OP with the original issue.

Attempting this myself by using, yes M$ you've guessed it - your competitor - Firefox!

Just downloaded & installed Firefox with no added settings or add-ons, returned to TMDb, logged in & Hey Presto, no editing issues whatsoever!

(Max Bygraves voice off)

So M$, what's your answer as to why IE could not do what Firefox did without a hassle?

BTW, M$ TMDb is an open source project, could that be the reason why IE is such a dismal failure, on that site at least?

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seems the browser wars aren't over. got some place that upchuck on FF, some on M$, many on S. Why? Who writes the HTML standard? Who writes the Java standard? Is it open source, make and change to your like no matter how incompatible it makes the world? You BET!

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Attempting this myself by using, yes M$ you've guessed it - your competitor - Firefox!

Hmm several recent polls give Chrome the lead.

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Attempting this myself by using, yes M$ you've guessed it - your competitor - Firefox!

Hmm several recent polls give Chrome the lead.

& the relevance of that is?

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Attempting this myself by using, yes M$ you've guessed it - your competitor - Firefox!

Hmm several recent polls give Chrome the lead.

& the relevance of that is?

None really I just like to point out that Firefox is going the same way!

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