After spending 99% of my time computing time on Windows operating systems (predominately XP) I recently decided to give Linux a go. I had heard mixed reviews of this free operating system but most people seemed to enjoy using it. My initial response was quite good but I quickly got annoyed with a few things; this included not being able to install a lot of programs and games that I regularly used on Windows.
As I type this I am back on XP because I honesty got sick of using Linux. Incompatibility with lots of Windows programs was the main reason I disliked it. The simplest programs like WinRar, iTunes and Microsoft Office were unavailable and this slowed down my productivity on the computer. The word processor and accessory package Open Office came pre-installed with Kubuntu. This got the job done for simple activities but was quite annoying when it couldn’t open .docx files from the latest version of Microsoft Office.
The initial installation of Kubuntu was smoother than the windows one. First it lets you boot off the CD so you can play around and decide whether you want to fully install it. After you choose to install it (from a link on the desktop) it will automatically set everything up and prompt you to enter an admin password, this is needed when you install programs etc. Then it will reboot and you can start using Kubuntu straight away. Another thing that was a little better than Windows, was the sound driver and internet connection. Usually I have to look around for several CDs and drivers before I can get these things working but with Kubuntu, everything worked automatically.
The fact that Linux is free might be a reason for you to want to use it, however in my experience I would much rather pay for Windows and have the freedom to install any games and programs I want.
Only a small percentage of computer users use Linux. This may be a reason for why it doesn’t get viruses at the present. Because of this, users don’t have to worry about buying anti virus software and all the other rubbish that is needed. Your computer will also be faster because Linux uses less computer resources, and not having to always have an anti virus program running would also help speed it up.
This has been quite a negative review, however I only tried it for a short amount of time. I have seen quite a lot of cool looking visualizations on sites like YouTube but never got around to installing any of these. I am sure with enough modifications and some decent knowledge, it could become quite a decent operating system.
May 2nd, 2008 at 5:20 am
LMFAO Linux based operating systems are actually compatible with most windows programs u just need to install a program called wine which is actually a reverse engineered version of windows with all but windows installer and the .dll files removed. i have found kubuntu to be a much more stable platform and was even pleasantly surprised to find some games running quicker than they did natively in windows. it looks a lot better with a few tweaks and has a completely 3d interface for more information on that look up compiz fusion on youtube
May 9th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Why would you want to play games on Linux? It isn’t meant to run Windows applications.
May 9th, 2008 at 7:51 am
What do you mean why would I want to play games? That is a pretty common use for a computer.
May 10th, 2008 at 1:42 am
You know what i hate, is when people say “hey, i got a network” Yeah what for? “yeah… i just got a network” Whats the point if your the only one in your house hold? “hey! i got a network, umm i can share things between my PC’s” yeah ok then.. waste of god damn time! “still, i got a network” what you own your own buissness? “no, i got a network though” NO ONE CARES!!