Is GNU/Linux comparable to Windows or OSX as a desktop OS?
29 replies, posted
I've currently got my computer with a dual boot Windows 7/Debian installation. However I'm not a big fan of windows 8, and am not much of a PC gamer anyway, so I was thinking about not installing windows onto my next computer (whenever that will be). Do you think it's a viable option at this point, or are there still major holes to fill in regards to software for normal computer use with GNU/Linux?
Also, any else using or thinking about using GNU/Linux exclusively?
It completely depends on the software you need, it's impossible for us to say whether you personally can entirely replace Windows/OSX or not.
Think about what software you need and look up if it's available for Linux, or if there are any decent alternatives.
I use Xubuntu on one of my lower-specced laptops and it does everything I need of it, especially with WINE to emulate windows products.
But if you need the later Microsoft Offices for compatibility reasons, want to play anything more than casual games or can't take the time to learn basic command-line, then you should stick with Win8 / classic shell (if you don't like Metro).
I use Linux for everything besides some AAA gaming, the only thing I believe Linux has poor support for is video editing. However whenever I say that I usually get corrected by another Linux user.
If you still want to play games like Dark Souls 2 you might as well keep dual boot, but otherwise there's no reason not to exclusively use Linux.
What software do you use and is there a port/suitable alternative for Linux? That's the biggest question to ask when switching.
I exclusively use Ubuntu with KDE for all my tasks, both for home entertainment, programming and school. So, yes I would say it's definitly possible to use GNU/Linux instead of OSX og Win on the desktop.
The biggest problem with Linux isn't with Linux itself though, but support from other software developers. Stuff like Photoshop or other big software often does not have an Linux port. Linux gaming have been much better the last year with Steam and Valve support, but its still far away from the same support which Windows has.
But, if you find that you have no Windows-only software, or if you find comparable applications (see [URL="http://alternativeto.net"]AlternativeTo[/URL]) then it's an just as good OS for your work as Win or OSX, maybe even better as you can customize it to your own workflow. You also have Wine, which you could run certain Windows programs with, check [URL="http://appdb.winehq.org/"]WineHQ[/URL] to see if your application could run with it.
[QUOTE=fishyfish777;44203384]
But if you need the later Microsoft Offices for compatibility reasons, want to play anything more than casual games or can't take the time to learn basic command-line, then you should stick with Win8 / classic shell (if you don't like Metro).[/QUOTE]
Just to say, MS Office works perfectly with Wine and some winetricks. You also have Kingsoft Office (or WPS Office) that is free and crossplatform. It also sports an similar look as the newer MS Office, and has more or less the same functionality.
Also, CLI usage is not longer required on most modern Linux distros, you could do anything with an GUI in ex. Kubuntu as with Windows.
You don't need Office support on Linux. MS ported all of their office programs to online services, and LIbre Office supports their files for everything else.
The latest GIMP beta is very comparable to Photoshop, even better in some aspects. And for video editing, there's Lightworks. That said, I've gotten Photoshop, Illustrator and FL studio running pretty much flawlessly in Wine. So that covers basically all development applications.
The only thing Linux lacks is a wide variety of third party dev support. Native Linux clients for Windows programs are sometimes missing or lacking. AAA games that run on newer versions of DX are harder to run. So game support can be hit or miss (thank Valve as this may change soon)
For the average user, Linux can totally substitute Windows/OSX. There are a lot of things Linux does better. Hardcore gamers should check their compatibility with Wine and maybe keep a Windows partition somewhere
I've almost completely dumped Windows for Linux (keeping it around for a couple games) and I'm never looking back.
If I were to guess, I would say Linux will be up there with both Windows and OSX in about 5 years. Right now you can struggle to get it to a similar point with several programs and extensions like people said but honestly, just imo I wouldn't switch from 8. If you're just using a computer as a web browsing/ media tool absolutely though, but if you're into 3D rendering, animation, graphics, etc. you're much better off sticking with Windows or osx for now.
I'm using pure GNU/Linux Debian on my laptop, it's Debian-only with no Windows at all, on an encrypted filesystem.
Honestly, with each passing day, it's becoming harder and harder to justify using Windows on my desktop machine, common tasks are really damn hard to do on Windows when compared to Debian, or any other distribution.
If I want to update every application currently installed on my machine, on Windows 8.1 (or any previous version), I'm fucked. With Debian, it's either a few clicks or one-liner in the terminal (which is what I do (sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade))
[QUOTE=nikomo;44212124]I'm using pure GNU/Linux Debian on my laptop, it's Debian-only with no Windows at all, on an encrypted filesystem.
Honestly, with each passing day, it's becoming harder and harder to justify using Windows on my desktop machine, common tasks are really damn hard to do on Windows when compared to Debian, or any other distribution.
If I want to update every application currently installed on my machine, on Windows 8.1 (or any previous version), I'm fucked. With Debian, it's either a few clicks or one-liner in the terminal (which is what I do (sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade))[/QUOTE]
Been trying to setup an Ubuntu desktop for 3 days now, still can't figure out how to install programs in .tar.gz that doesn't include make or a read me, or is written in Python.
Windows .exes are nice in how stupidly simple they tend to be.
With the exception of some games (notably, most AAA titles) and some industry-specific software like CAD systems, yes. Linux is perfectly fine.
[QUOTE=Angus725;44212866]Been trying to setup an Ubuntu desktop for 3 days now, still can't figure out how to install programs in .tar.gz that doesn't include make or a read me, or is written in Python.
Windows .exes are nice in how stupidly simple they tend to be.[/QUOTE]
... Why the fuck are you compiling stuff from source?
That's some really specialized stuff if you can't just grab a package, especially on Ubuntu.
And with Python, just run the program.
[QUOTE=Angus725;44212866]Been trying to setup an Ubuntu desktop for 3 days now, still can't figure out how to install programs in .tar.gz that doesn't include make or a read me, or is written in Python.
Windows .exes are nice in how stupidly simple they tend to be.[/QUOTE]
Why are you installing from tar.gz. Ubuntu isn't Gentoo.
You should be looking for .deb packages. I usually install them with dpkg -i "filename.deb" in Debian. I think Ubuntu has a utility for installing them from the UI though.
The Ubuntu repositories aren't exactly that up-to-date. I'd normally still be looking for an unofficial repository or a *.DEB package.
[QUOTE=nikomo;44213146]... Why the fuck are you compiling stuff from source?
That's some really specialized stuff if you can't just grab a package, especially on Ubuntu.
And with Python, just run the program.[/QUOTE]
it's important to remember he's most likely new to linux in general, so it's understandable that he might have issues with finding files/installing said files.
for regular work use, sure. but for video, photo and sound work it's far from ready yet. i still use it for servers and on some weaker laptops, but wouldn't replace OS X with it.
[QUOTE=PredGD;44217318]it's important to remember he's most likely new to linux in general, so it's understandable that he might have issues with finding files/installing said files.[/QUOTE]
I'm all over the place with Linux use. Personally, I started running a Ubuntu desktop a few days ago.
Interestingly enough, it's supposed to be a NAS sever. So first few programs I install and try to get working is mdadm, samba (smbd), openSSH, FTP...2 of which are via command line.
I've been programming software for it for a year and a half now on Redhat (with IDEs), then Debian (using the Emacs/Sublime/Vim -> gcc/g++ -> GDB tool chain) ... only to find out that what I had there apparently doesn't compile on Ubuntu for some odd reason.
If you want to hear a programming nightmare, I'm working on a project for a course with 2 other people. One of them uses Xcode on MacOSX, the other uses Sublime/gcc/GDB, while I use Visual Studio -> gcc/GDB on windows/SSH). We're compiling for our (degree) programs' computers that run Debian.
Reason why I'm running into issues with .tar.gz seems to be me trying to install a [redacted] server, and replace gedit with sublime text as the default ubuntu editor.
I'd say some linux distros are on par with OSX, I'd really like to switch but I play fighting games which have no linux ports.
[QUOTE=reevezy67;44220340]I'd say some linux distros are on par with OSX, I'd really like to switch but I play fighting games which have no linux ports.[/QUOTE]
With all the money you saved from using Linux, go out, use it to get drunk, then start fights irl. Same thing, really.
[editline]13th March 2014[/editline]
Although on topic, I'd give 8 a chance. I though 7 was going to be my last Windows OS after using mint/ubuntu so often because I loved how smooth it felt, but I got Win8 Pro for free and I really like how it feels. It's really smooth and Microsoft did a lot right with the OS. I hate metro, but with some modifications it is a top notch OS. I know I'll get a lot of flak for this opinion, and I still use Linux on all my systems besides my gaming one despite this, but give it a shot.
[QUOTE=Levelog;44224104]With all the money you saved from using Linux, go out, use it to get drunk, then start fights irl. Same thing, really.
[editline]13th March 2014[/editline]
Although on topic, I'd give 8 a chance. I though 7 was going to be my last Windows OS after using mint/ubuntu so often because I loved how smooth it felt, but I got Win8 Pro for free and I really like how it feels. It's really smooth and Microsoft did a lot right with the OS. I hate metro, but with some modifications it is a top notch OS. I know I'll get a lot of flak for this opinion, and I still use Linux on all my systems besides my gaming one despite this, but give it a shot.[/QUOTE]
I won't, because I'm an equal opportunity OS user. I use all 3 on a regular basis. I'm a firm believer of giving everything a chance (yes, even Metro, bite me) and I find all OS's have their strong points and weak points, with none of them being 100% superior to another. Being able to use all 3 proficiently and recognizing their strengths and applications is more important than using one and attacking the others because they don't do something you like.
[QUOTE=Demache;44224468]I won't, because I'm an equal opportunity OS user. I use all 3 on a regular basis. I'm a firm believer of giving everything a chance (yes, even Metro, bite me) and I find all OS's have their strong points and weak points, with none of them being 100% superior to another. Being able to use all 3 proficiently and recognizing their strengths and applications is more important than using one and attacking the others because they don't do something you like.[/QUOTE]
I try the same, but I find I never use Mac OS. There is just literally nothing I personally do that it is superior in. Not saying it doesn't do anything better, just nothing I do.
[QUOTE=Levelog;44224886]I try the same, but I find I never use Mac OS. There is just literally nothing I personally do that it is superior in. Not saying it doesn't do anything better, just nothing I do.[/QUOTE]
I find the same. Probably because I only own one actual Macbook, and most of the time I'm in Windows for homework/game reasons. I also dislike window management in OSX. But it is pretty easy to use. Installing applications is stupidly simple (drag application to Application folder = installed).
I've never used OSX (other than the time I was asked to get into a Macbook and I had my "This is UNIX, I know this"-moment where I booted into single-user mode, mounted the hard-drive read+write and ran passwd), but I can't imagine the window management being worse than Windows.
I really wish I could run i3 on Windows, I'm fairly sure I'm addicted to it on my laptop.
[QUOTE=nikomo;44225162]I've never used OSX (other than the time I was asked to get into a Macbook and I had my "This is UNIX, I know this"-moment where I booted into single-user mode, mounted the hard-drive read+write and ran passwd), but I can't imagine the window management being worse than Windows.
I really wish I could run i3 on Windows, I'm fairly sure I'm addicted to it on my laptop.[/QUOTE]
Things that exist in modern Windows and Linux DE's don't exist in OSX, like dragging a Window to the edge of the screen does nothing. And switching between Windows behind each other isn't as elegant. And something you have to get used to is that the actual program is not tied to the window. So you may still be running Firefox in the background despite closing its windows. You have to do either File -> Quit or Command-Q. I'm sure some people like that but each to his own.
[editline]13th March 2014[/editline]
Also why do I keep randomly capitalizing window. arrgghh
[QUOTE=Demache;44225124]Installing applications is stupidly simple (drag application to Application folder = installed).[/QUOTE]
Even simpler with the Mac App Store. Could do with the "snapping windows to side of the screen" that Windows has, I find that incredibly useful
I agree. They made such a big deal of window snapping when Windows 7 came out and I dismissed it as a gimmick, but after I started using it, I find it extremely convenient and useful.
[QUOTE=Trekintosh;44226349]I agree. They made such a big deal of window snapping when Windows 7 came out and I dismissed it as a gimmick, but after I started using it, I find it extremely convenient and useful.[/QUOTE]
The gimmick is that 3d aero windows switcher that came from Vista. I remember I used to show people and they were like "that looks awesome", but apart from looking cool for 5 seconds, alt+tab just seemed a lot faster and better
[QUOTE=djjkxbox360;44228548]The gimmick is that 3d aero windows switcher that came from Vista. I remember I used to show people and they were like "that looks awesome", but apart from looking cool for 5 seconds, alt+tab just seemed a lot faster and better[/QUOTE]
Which came first: Window's Aero Switcher, or Compiz's SPINNAN KYOOBS?
[QUOTE=MasterFen006;44228574]Which came first: Window's Aero Switcher, or Compiz's SPINNAN KYOOBS?[/QUOTE]
Ah yes, I remember all the KOOL 3D FX!! you got on Linux distros. Now that we have computers that can actually run them proper its sort of eh, fading is good enough.
I actually find the desktop cube pretty useful, since I tend to keep my windows maximized.
I can just Meta+Tab and see if my download on the other screen is done yet or whatever, then move back and get on with my work.
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