You may be thinking: "Oh here we go! Another Linux 'troll' here to tell us how amazing Linux is!"

But in all honesty, this is a discussion filled with UN-BIASED opinions on Linux and how it performs on a desktop. Now before we start, I have 4 computers: MacBook Pro (Snow Leopard), Sony Vaio Laptop (Windows 7 Ultimate), Sony Vaio Laptop (Linux Mint 10 'Julia'), and an iMac (Snow Leopard). I use all Operating systems, so I plan to give the most Un-biased information possible.

So here we go: Linux!
Linux has been attacked since as far as I can remember. Search on Google, Bing, Youtube: "Linux Sucks". You will receive a countless number of search results, filled with peoples frustrations with Linux. The question is: "Is it really that bad?"

The real answer is: NO. Let us look at the two most popular Linux Distributions: "Ubuntu, and Linux Mint. Looking at all the functions these distros perform, both can be classified as a FULLY FUNCTIONAL operating system. Let us make a list of things general computer users, and business professionals do on their computers:

-Networking
-Web Surfing
-Email
-Video Chat/ IM
-Word Processing
-Creating/ Editing Spreadsheets
(If you would like to add to this list, feel free to add a comment).

Linux can do all of these things, they do it differently, but it is possible. Linux, when tweaked and customised can be an amazing Operating system. Now the problems in Linux:
-COMPATIBILITY
-COMPATIBILITY
-COMPATIBILITY

As most Linux users have experienced, many times when we install Linux on our desktop or laptop, we may have Sound problems, Video card problems, Wireless card problems, etc.
It is VERY frustrating to troubleshoot sound, and wireless. For many "non-experienced" computer users, troubleshooting in Linux can be very complicated. Using source code you are not familiar with can be very confusing.

Luckily, Linux has a great support base that helps aid new Linux users in the right direction. For any question there is an answer. The only problem with this is so many people do not have the patience to look for the proper help they need.

Does Linux have any chance in becoming a great Operating system for general computer users. YES! definitely! I has a long way to go though. Once it works out its drivers problem, it will shine!

Tags: Linux, Mint, Problems, Ubuntu, drivers, support

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Comment by Dee on November 24, 2010 at 1:38pm: The only thing I want is a program like itunes that I can add video and music to ipod touch without having to use two diff programs.

Comment by David Yows on November 24, 2010 at 9:09am: Anybody want to give me some advice on how I can join my new Linux install to Windows dominant domain? Actually, how do I just join a domain period? :-)

Comment by James Young on November 23, 2010 at 4:33pm: I use Gentoo Linux myself. I've never had a single problem with any hardware on any of the machines I've used. It's a matter of knowing exactly what's in the system.

Comment by David Yows on November 23, 2010 at 10:32am: I have just installed Linux Mint 10. It is currently updating. This is my first Linux install ever. I appreciate the clean and neutral appearance. The updater is flawless and easy. I can't wait to get into the OS and see what's really possible. Wish me luck.

Comment by Phoobar on November 23, 2010 at 9:15am: I am currently running Mint 10 while I am writing this. Put it on last week to see if I could do the same tasks I could in Windows. As has been mentioned...compatibility is the biggest problem. The problem with running with source code/compiling that code is that I have not had several problems solved. Here's the ones I've run into:

1. My webcam with Skype. Works with Cheese and every other program which needs it. Have friends I communicate with and even compiling the drivers will not work under Skype.
2. My video production software. I use a TV tuner to timeshift shows...then I convert them to watch when I have nothing better to do. Handbrake just barely works...but my Windows software does work and gives me consistent results ...but will not run under Wine...but will under VMWare Player. The problem is that no matter how much of the 8 GB of memory and how many of the 4 processors I tell it to us...it takes three times as long to convert.
3. My Bible software. As with the video production software...there is software which works. I've gotten used to my Windows software and not needing to pay for some of the free add-ons which will cost me almost $50-100 in LInux...because of copyright issues.
4. Virtualbox vs VMWare Player. Tried Virtualbox in Windows and Linux. Did not like how it ran in either OS...but with VMWare Player...I get a function called Unity which allows you to run whatever software as if it looks like it's part of your desktop...rather than a boxed in OS. Did not like needing to roll my own VMWare Player in Mint...since it should have been in the repositories...but wasn't.
6. No TV tuner support for my USB tuners. Expected this...but with everyone else with the same issue...either a programmer or the vendor should come up with drivers...but not anywhere on the horizon.
5. Boot time. No matter which version of Linux I run...Puppy/Ubuntu/PCLOS/Mint...my system will take over five minutes to boot...while Windows comes right up.

My solution to all of this...am going back to Windows 7...since my frustration with the main tasks I do with my PC I can't do in Linux and get consistent results.

Comment by Tracy on November 23, 2010 at 2:57am: It isn't Linux that's the problem- it's the makers of the sound, video, wireless cards...etc- the maker doesn't supply drivers as they do for MS.

Comment by Denise E. Abreu-Alvarez on November 22, 2010 at 12:51pm: Oh No, I personally have no driver compatibility problems AT ALL on my laptop running Linux Mint 10. But usually we see this with older computers, and laptops. I am just simply stating a GENERAL problem with Linux. Not saying that I am personally having problems at all. :) Thank you fro the comment

Comment by JS on November 22, 2010 at 12:47pm: I don't find the compatibility an issue. Everything works on my hardware with Ubuntu 10.10. Even my 3G USB modem which DOESN'T work with Windows, works out of the box, no drivers necessary on Ubuntu. Nearly all applications I need, work. The only thing that I have not managed to get to work is VPN.

I don't see where you have compatibility issues.

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