Linux, Any Good?

[Kushin]

Ok guys, I'm getting a new computer soon and I was set on getting Windows 7. But, it has come to my attention that Linux with something called Wine could do the job, possibly better. I mainly use my computer for gaming and entertainment to help you see what I'd use it for.

Can The Escapist show me why Linux is better, or am I better sticking with Windows?

 

[tan-z]

I love linux but I'd advise you to stick with windows. Wine won't work very well if at all with games.

 

[Pimppeter2]

I used it on a friends computer once. Too much of a bother. I stick with what I get.

 

[Radeonx]

Linux is the greatest OS ever, as long as you don't want to do any gaming or use any specialized programs on it. Hence why I run win7 on my main gaming/photoshop/videoedting beast of a computer, and Linux on everything else.

Yeah. Linux is fantastic, but when you want to do specifics, it isn't very good.
Otherwise, though, it's fucking amazing.

 

[Aardvark]

If you want a job that will pay you an arseload of cash and guarantee you job security in the future, master lunix. Same with programming. Master it now, while you're young and all the rage, it'll give you an employment edge against those useless drones who only learned when it came to their comp sci degrees.

 

[karmapolizei]

I love linux but I'd advise you to stick with windows. Wine won't work very well if at all with games.

That's just about it.

But I'd still heavily recommend to you to try Linux if you feel so inclined. It's not necessarily better, it's just that it does SOME things better, and for those of us rather on the nerdy side, it has some really nice perks.

But please, please bear in mind that whichever flavor of Linux you're choosing, configuring, using and maintaing it are not that small a feat. So, if you really do want to try it out, you should...

... at least know what the words 'distribution', 'dual-boot' and 'packet management' mean.
... have read somewhat extensively on the subject and chosen a distribution that fits your needs
... be generally good with computers. If you're not at least on nodding terms with every particle of dust in a corner in Windows (and, more importantly, aren't the person who WANTS to be in the first place), then chances are you'll not like your Linux adventure very much.

But it's worth a try. It's not that easy, but it can be more user-friendly than any other system out there... and it's got a lot of good karma. Just don't run any games, leave that to Windows.

 

[Kaboose the Moose]

Ok guys, I'm getting a new computer soon and I was set on getting Windows 7. But, it has come to my attention that Linux with something called Wine could do the job, possibly better. I mainly use my computer for gaming and entertainment to help you see what I'd use it for.

Can The Escapist show me why Linux is better, or am I better sticking with Windows?

Linux is awesome!. As a user of two different Linux OS's I can tell you that customization and the stability is unparalleled elsewhere. However, I recommend that you stick to Windows.

Wine is basically a compatibility layer that lets you run windows programs on Linux itself. The problem is that not all windows programs run smoothly on wine and a lot of games won't run on wine at all. Overall, Linux can be a bit tricky when you try and ask specific things out of it.

Also there is the issue of ease of use. If you have never used a unix-like system before then the going might be a bit tough. For example, when installing software for Windows you usually get files in a .exe format, which is a simple "double-click to install" process. Linux tends to use .tar files, which is a whole different matter and a lot more work. It's best avoided unless you know what you're doing.

So, I would suggest that you stick to windows considering that you are using it for games and entertainment.

 

[ProfessorLayton]

If you are a PC gamer, then don't even think about switching to Linux. For everything else, it should be all good...

 

[Baron Von Evil Satan]

i'm not really sure what it's like. It's had good things said about it. My experience boils down to realizing that you shouldn't install it on your toilet.

a cookie if you guess the reference.

 

[cleverlymadeup]

I love linux but I'd advise you to stick with windows. Wine won't work very well if at all with games.

ok that's wrong, Wine does work very well with a bunch of games, there are some issues with it cause it's an emulator.

now as for linux itself, it's by far the best os out there. it can do most anything you want AND for free. there are some things it can't do as well but that was a long time ago and now it's been fixed or getting there. games is the only big hang up and unfortunately the newest id game is the only one that won't have a native port. tho i will say id and epic games are pretty good for native linux ports, valve can't cause Gabe can't code.

i've used linux for 12 or so years and as a primary os for 8 of those. so out of anyone i actually happen to know what i'm talking about with the os compared to most of the people who use it on this site.

 

[thiosk]

Do you love computers?

I mean, if you were going to fuck a computer, which port would you use?

Scuzzie? USB? Would you put your floppy disk right in its Zune?

If you don't know the answer, don't understand, or wonder what scuzzie means,
make sure you at least dual boot windows and linux together.

and if you don't know how to do that, just stick with windows.