[lotuseclat79]

Debunking Some Linux Myths.

With new releases of several major Linux distributions coming up in the next few weeks, I would like to take a few minutes to debunk some of the more blatant inaccuracies which are circulated about Linux.

-- Tom

[ComfortGroup_IT]

At least one of those statements isn't entirely accurate.

I can install Linux from scratch, onto a blank disk, and be ready to work in well under an hour. Note that I said "ready to work", not just done with the base installation and ready to start a long cycle of update and service pack installations.

I downloaded Ubuntu 9.04 from the Ubuntu site yesterday (as that was the most recent version they had) and after installing I have already spent almost 4 hours Upgrading to 9.10.

[briealeida]

To be fair, a lot of the wait with upgrading is waiting for all of the downloads. And he didn't say he could install 9.04 and then upgrade to 9.10 in less than an hour.

I do, though, take issue with him 'debunking' the myth that there are too many versions. There are a *LOT* of distros. Count how many 'Which distro of Linux should I use?' threads there are. I am so sick of this question. Yes, people should be smart enough to research and figure out the best one to use but it's not obvious and when you've got probably hundreds to choose from and computing is not your job it can be daunting! (I'm not saying there should be less distros just acknowledging that it could be confusing and often is.)

[ComfortGroup_IT]

Originally Posted by briealeida

To be fair, a lot of the wait with upgrading is waiting for all of the downloads. And he didn't say he could install 9.04 and then upgrade to 9.10 in less than an hour.

If we are being fair, a lot of the wait with upgrading is waiting for all of the downloads in both Windows and Linux. And to be fair again, installing 9.04 and upgrading to 9.10 is similar to installing XP and upgrading to XP SP3. You can run 9.04 or XP the way they install, and I have run XP direct from the install on computers that wouldn't be connecting to the internet. And if you say to just install 9.10 and you can avoid the update process you can do the same by installing Windows 7. So it seems like what a lot of people do, twist the facts to support their position.

[lotuseclat79]

Originally Posted by ComfortGroup_IT

At least one of those statements isn't entirely accurate.

I downloaded Ubuntu 9.04 from the Ubuntu site yesterday (as that was the most recent version they had) and after installing I have already spent almost 4 hours Upgrading to 9.10.

Hi ComfortGroup_IT,

You should have waited a day and downloaded Ubuntu 9.10 on October 29, 2009 - i.e. its official release date.

-- Tom

[perfume]

Dear All and especially lotuseclat79,
With the advent of live cds and live dvds, it sure has become a lot easier to find out how smooth the transition will be for Window users. Taking me as an example, i have bought DVD-RWs and downloaded 1)PCLOS, 2) OPEN SUSE, 3)FEDORA 11, 4) XANDROS(?) ,5)UBUNTU and finally MANDRIVA and checked out one after the other. I personally found Fedora 11 very comfortable (Installation via DVD) as i had the advantage of one of my friends having the same! I could tap his experience and seek advise and that's the key (IMHO) ! I personally would like to thank lotuseclat79, for kindling the already existing fire(in me) into a raging one to go for Linux Distros!

[Lordandmaker]

- There are too many different versions of Linux available Who cares how many versions are available, when you only need one?

This is _exactly_ the problem. There's a billion and one with subtle differences, and everyone will tell you theirs is the best. You *can't* 'just pick one', since you've no reasoning at all upon which to make the decision.

Having millions of distros is not a problem in and of itself, but pretending that this is a good thing to someone who's just been told to 'try Linux' is an outright lie.

Pick one, and try it. If it works for you, and it has what you want, then keep it, and forget about all the others. If you're not happy with it, try a different one - at least it doesn't cost you any money to keep trying until you find one that suits you!

No, but it costs a _lot_ of time and effort.