[Surferdude]

Further to comments elsewhere I thought this might bear some more in-depth discussion.
In the past, when issues have a risen with my Windows OS I've used Ubuntu with no problems.
So with the discussion going htis way in the "Scanners" thread I went looking for some mor eup-to-date information and I found this.
Sorry it's a bit long but I think it's worth reading.
I'd also be interested in feedback from some of our more "literate" members.

http://blogs.computerworld.com/15035/5_reasons_why_ubuntu_9_10_is_better_than_windows_7

[stochastic]

I agree with all of those five points in the article, though those wouldn't be my top five.  I run Ubuntu Studio 11.10 right now as my main OS - an unbiased opinion though, will also highlight some of Ubuntu's shortcomings.  When I've introduced the system to friends I've described it in the most neutral introductory standpoint I can but Ubuntu seems to win in most cases.  There is some effort involved in understanding a new OS - particularly when most of the applications will also be new - some people just don't need to worry about it, there is some persistent areas in Ubuntu/Linux where bugs just never get fixed or fully diagnosed (Windows could be described as a more thoroughly combed OS) due to lack of volunteer coders paying attention or having that bug affect them, and there is some level of necessary geekery involved in maintaining an Ubuntu system (really there's WAY more effort involved if one maintains a windows system properly, but this seldom happens).

The point that is glaringly missing from that list is FREEDOM.  I can't count how many times I've wanted to turn file x into file y, move this picture into my blah, link the output of my internet radio stream to a recording program, or even add a feature in the z program so that all users can do this same linkage easily, etc... In Linux the system is designed with modularity and freedom of motion as a central principal - in windows every application has it's own goals to be a dominant single entity.

Furthermore, I've actually done some tech support work for a microsoft contracted company, (MSN internet support was what I would answer the phones as) and I've followed a number of the company's strategical business moves. When it comes down to the nitty gritty of my personal computer, I trust microsoft about as far as I can comfortably spit a dead rat.

[rustynutz]

Much of the criticism raised from that link would be because windows 7 had only just been released.
I'd be surprised if Ubuntu didn't have it's own compatibility issues when first released also....

From link:

Ubuntu Linux comes with a free office suite, OpenOffice. If you want an office suite for Windows 7, you're going to be paying extra for it.

OpenOffice is a free download and also works on Windows 7 so there goes that argument....   

Outlook Express doesn't come with Windows anymore. Ubuntu has Evolution, the best e-mail and groupware client on the planet as far as I'm concerned.

As with OpenOffice, there are numerous email programs that can be downloaded for free which work on Windows 7....

http://email.about.com/od/windowsemailclients/tp/free_email_prog.htm

[Surferdude]

I don't disagree with what you say Rusty.
I've used Open Office in Windows.
I first used Ubuntu not long after it was released and there were no hassles but I suspect its simplicity may have something to do with that. And issues can be addressed by users.

Mostly I use W7 and Windows Live Mail which meets all my requirements.
But the big issue is the security and AFAIK Ubuntu still wins hands down.

[stochastic]

Technical flaws in the original article aside (I mean it's praising an old release of ubuntu against an infant of windows that has now grown up), I still believe the design of Ubuntu is superior.  Software is a personal preference and you may find the design of a different OS is better for yourself.

Security is for sure a very strong aspect of Ubuntu.  If security was an analogy of staying afloat at sea, Ubuntu would be a 200ft yacht with lots of nice safety features built in (including life raft) whereas Windows would be an old bathtub that floats at first but you better not do very much in it unless you're quite skilled.  In one, you barely have to think about the possibility of getting wet, the other it's almost inevitable.  Ubuntu actually ships with an anti-virus scanning program in the background - not because there's viruses that ubuntu is worried about but rather to both prevent and help fix any instances of windows infection.

But really, would you switch to a new OS simply because of security concerns?

Rustynutz have you ever tried Ubuntu?

[rustynutz]

Rustynutz have you ever tried Ubuntu?

Not yet, but I might be tempted to try it out on one of my old computers down the track....

[AlanHo]

I am I suppose, a typical Microsoft user. I started off with Microsoft yonks ago with the very first version of Windows and have upgraded each time a new verion is released. The only time I regretted this, was a brief flirt with Windows ME, which was problemmatic and clearly a work in progress.

Windows is the devil I know and feel comfortable with. It is the perfect partner for MS Office, IE, Windows Media Player and Microsoft Security Essentials - which again are my favourites.  Windows 7 has proved to be entirely compatible with all of my software - including many third party utilities and graphic programmes.

I have tried Ubuntu, Mozilla and Open Office to sample the wares - but none have offered me any significant advantages compared with the Microsoft offerings. I have found that with few exceptions in life, you get what you pay for, so I am happy to spend the money on Microsoft stuff but appreciate that this may not be the same for everyone.

Many Ubuntu users feel more comfortable because the platform is said to be less prone to malware attack - possibly the result of malware scum bag writers preferring to target the huge majority who use Windows. Perhaps I am tempting fate when saying this - but I have always used effective anti malware programmes and have never been seriously infected with any malware in all the years I have used Windows.

I am not advocating that my choice of software is suitable for all - people who enjoy tinkering with the inner workings of a car, adding accessories, tuning boxes and taking corners on two wheels and the door handle are possibly the same people who use Ubuntu so they can have a good old fiddle and derive satisfaction from their efforts.

Me - I'm for a nice easy ride, happy to let a major manufacturer take care of things - that's why I use Windows and have a Hyundai car......

[asathorny]

Alan makes a good case which I am sure is the same for millions of others.  That is folks who came along AFTER microsloth introduced the GUI and I am sure that many of these people, perhaps like Alan, would never have looked at a computer without a GUI.   Myself and lots of others came into the game when it was a DOS interface and therefore a little command line was essential.  At that point in time microsoft DOS 6.** was as difficult as any Linux software ever was.  Slowely Canonical have moved Linux into the GUI platform and indeed one which rivals or even, in some areas surpasses windows, but old time windows users aren't going to dump their expensive winders programs which they have bought and feel comfortable using, why would they?

I use the Canonical software for several reasons, some of which I have expounded elsewhere, another reason is that I like and admire their stated aims and what they stand for.  Ya know, old fashioned values the same values which exsisted when I first started using computers where everyone was a learner and everyone shared everything.   Then came windows with it's GUI and along came the money grabbing, back stabbing, get rich quick culture.  Not to mention the thieving gets who hack and attack  Oops I almost started into a full blown rant then.

You stick with what ya know and love Alan, no problems at all   

[Dazzler]

My experience and attitude is very much in line with that posted by Alan.. well said m8 

[Phil №❶]

On the plus side.

A lot of us like to explore other possibilities. I loaded Ubuntu last night and like the rapid start up & shutdown. It just doesn't feel fat and bloated like Windows does.

But

I'll be darned if I can get the wireless network to work. I have high speed unlimited broadband (wired) to my home with a wireless router, 4 port, supplying laptops. The setup doesn't ask questions with the same names as windows, so I don't know what to put in for addresses etc. And it doesn't / hasn't found wireless networks in my area either. 

[asathorny]

On the plus side.

A lot of us like to explore other possibilities. I loaded Ubuntu last night and like the rapid start up & shutdown. It just doesn't feel fat and bloated like Windows does.

But

I'll be darned if I can get the wireless network to work. I have high speed unlimited broadband (wired) to my home with a wireless router, 4 port, supplying laptops. The setup doesn't ask questions with the same names as windows, so I don't know what to put in for addresses etc. And it doesn't / hasn't found wireless networks in my area either. 

Oops sorry I deserted you...   OK here's what to do....   Go to ubuntu forums and join the forum, so that you can post as well as read.   I know I messed about with my Wifi on my spare machine and it was something fairly simple, but alas my memory is so crap these days I am havng too send you to the forum sorry, it'll be something and nothing like changing a setting to etho 1 or zero...   The setting's thingy is at the top of the screen on the right and is a drop down menu...    However, if you ask a question in the forum, or better still SEARCH for answers to your specific question, you will get an answer....

I will attempt to provide assistance, memory permitting :-(...

 

[Phil №❶]

It's OK m8. I like what I've seen so far. I can manage most things, but networking leaves me cold. Trouble is I have to go to the forum in winders. 

I'm the sort of person who will see this through as time permits and don't forget, I learn something too. 

[asathorny]

It's OK m8. I like what I've seen so far. I can manage most things, but networking leaves me cold. Trouble is I have to go to the forum in winders. 

I'm the sort of person who will see this through as time permits and don't forget, I learn something too. 

No offence intended with this, I know it seems obvious *BUT* you have given permission for networking and Wifi haven't you ??????????????????     I show this cos I am a bugger for getting caught out by the most simple things like this.....      This is on my spare computer in the other room and this version of Ubuntu is called MINT 'it's Ubuntu Jim but not aws we know it'  just have a look at your setting and make sure you toggle these switches.    You can see all my neighbours wifi ID's  My is to my Linksys.

Good luck

[asathorny]

If that's not the prob you may need to install the network manager, which you could do thro the gui but will be quicker if you open the command line screen which is in the drop down at the top left.....   

Then to make yourself root you type   SUDO in lower case as follows

sudo apt-get install network-manager-gnome

when you input this command it will go to the cammand promt, it is now waiting nah demandnig a password.  Input the password and press return and voila watch it fly onto you machine.  You are now a junior computer Nija, welcome to the Dojo  HAhahahaha.....

Let me know how you go.

Also, we may need to move to PM's before we come under a Shambolic attack 
 

[Shambles]

It's all good stuff Asa

[asathorny]

Cheers Steve 

[stochastic]

I'll just throw out there that if anyone needs help with Ubuntu feel free to pm me.  I do quite a bit of help in that community and know my way around the system.

I also totally understand Alan's point of view that changing what OS you run is a significant overhead that many people just don't have time for (sort of like switching brand of car - have to re-learn how to tweak most things).  Though this quote:

Me - I'm for a nice easy ride, happy to let a major manufacturer take care of things - that's why I use Windows and have a Hyundai car......

Threw me off a bit, as one can easily look at Ubuntu as being crafted by a major manufacturer too.   

[Surferdude]

I'll just throw out there that if anyone needs help with Ubuntu feel free to pm me.  I do quite a bit of help in that community and know my way around the system.

Thanks for the offer. I'm sure it'll come in handy along the way.

[LonelyWolf]

i'm resuming this topic, (but the forum says it's new! ) just to say:
1 - security isn't a very strong aspect of Ubuntu, instead it is a very strong aspect of all linux systems.
2 - I prefer LibreOffice (it's a "fork" of OO)
I think there isn't a "perfect" or "better" OS when we are talking about a desktop/notebook but there's a perfect/better system for the user in front of it; if we talk about servers then please forget windows.

[asathorny]

i'm resuming this topic, (but the forum says it's new! ) just to say:
1 - security isn't a very strong aspect of Ubuntu, instead it is a very strong aspect of all linux systems.
2 - I prefer LibreOffice (it's a "fork" of OO)
I think there isn't a "perfect" or "better" OS when we are talking about a desktop/notebook but there's a perfect/better system for the user in front of it; if we talk about servers then please forget windows.

1 - correct 
2-  me too :-) 

I  agree, there is not a beter or perfik....   they are different and in there own way they are the best.  Most large servers run with Linux for obvious reason...     

Folks are intimidated by Linux with good reason, if things don't go the way the expect them too ya can't just phone yer pal round the corner cos they'll be using windows  <sigh>  However OS's like Ubuntu are becoming very accesible and for someone who had never owned a computer previously to get old of a modern lappy with Ubuntu on it, they'd do very nicely indeed, me thinks.

[stochastic]

Folks are intimidated by Linux with good reason, if things don't go the way the expect them too ya can't just phone yer pal round the corner cos they'll be using windows  <sigh>  However OS's like Ubuntu are becoming very accesible and for someone who had never owned a computer previously to get old of a modern lappy with Ubuntu on it, they'd do very nicely indeed, me thinks.

It's funny I was about to mention how when I install Ubuntu on friends' computers and they have any troubles I get a nice little text message, I then phone them up to walk them through a solution.  Hahaha 

[ozsnowman]

I have both in my house, a couple of Windows pcs & a little Hp server running Ubuntu. It took some work, internet at hand was very helpful sitting there setting it up..

I'm no expert by any means, but it seems to run well, rarely restarted and serves up movies all over the house :-)

[asathorny]

Folks are intimidated by Linux with good reason, if things don't go the way the expect them too ya can't just phone yer pal round the corner cos they'll be using windows  <sigh>  However OS's like Ubuntu are becoming very accesible and for someone who had never owned a computer previously to get old of a modern lappy with Ubuntu on it, they'd do very nicely indeed, me thinks.

It's funny I was about to mention how when I install Ubuntu on friends' computers and they have any troubles I get a nice little text message, I then phone them up to walk them through a solution.  Hahaha 

Good on ya, your doing a good job