Don't wannabee a linux guru

[expat]

Is there a distribution of linux that really just works? You know, for a single PC, single user, no need to secure from other users, everything just goes: i.e. no need to "log in as root and mount the drive" or anything like that.

[Netraider]

Ubuntu

I've been using it for over 2 years now. It keeps getting better with every release.

[KevinS]

Is there a distribution of linux that really just works? You know, for a single PC, single user, no need to secure from other users, everything just goes: i.e. no need to "log in as root and mount the drive" or anything like that.

Sabayon Professional - I've loaded this on an old laptop and it is excellent, if a little heavy on resources..

I am also running Kubuntu on another machine - mostly because I like KDE as a desktop and KDE 4 is very pretty (although there are still some minor bugs that need fixing)..

[chicane]

It's hard to define "really just works" without going into the detail of what you're trying to accomplish. I use Ubuntu on one of my laptops and it certainly "really just works" for me. But then my needs are somewhat plain - I just need a working network connection, GUI, web server, web browser(s), text editor, graphics manipulation software and connectivity to Windows networks.

Generally, things become more flaky when you stray away from the traditional strengths of Linux (ie networking). Audio and video subsystems still tend to require a fait bit of tinkering, especially with the stubborn insistence of ATI and Nvidia to provide binary-only video drivers, and the proliferation of different audio subsystems in use. This makes advanced multimedia stuff (eg video editing) in Linux something of a nightmare.

Your best bet would be to specify your needs in more detail - I'm sure the panel would be only to happy to advise accordingly.

[VectraMan]

Ubuntu didn't "just work" on my laptop.

Well maybe it would have, but after 8 hours of waiting for the install I gave up.

[expat]

It's hard to define "really just works" without going into the detail of what you're trying to accomplish.

Indeed. I mean things like these, which have all failed for me on one or other supposedly user-friendly linux:

1. put a DVD in the drive and watch a movie.
2. put a blank CD in the drive and burn it, as data or music.
3. plug an external DVD writer into a usb port and use it.

and I mean without ever having heard the words "root" and "mount". I also mean without being helpfully advised (as I have been) that I am not fit to use a computer and certainly can't call myself an IT professional....

Edit: when I specify my needs to myself, it's much like your list. But when I try it, I find there's more.... it's not what I want to do that causes trouble, it's what I take for granted, that doesn't work.

[expat]

Ubuntu

I've been using it for over 2 years now. It keeps getting better with every release.

It has a good reputation. I did try it once but it met a wall at something. By that time I had had enough so I didn't even note down what the problem was. Maybe it's better now.

Oh, I did have problems with Java-based software:
- on Windows XP, was offered option to install Java, took it, it worked.
- on Ubuntu, was told No Java Run-time environment found. That was all. Surly.

[Cheshire Cat]

Sounds like what you're asking for is an OS that runs with all the advantages of Windows without the miriad disadvantages.
Unfortunately, even the best Linux flavours I've used will have trouble with at least one "core" function that you perhaps take for granted on Windows.
E.g. In my personal experience some versions of Linux are great at everything except dealing with peripherals (printers, external drives, Wifi etc). Whilst you CAN get them to work, it involves an afternoon of trail and error taking advice from strangers on a IRC chatboard, and very probably being flamed for not wanting to use something so arty as a GUI, or daring to ask for a simple function, such as ripping a DVD, without the need to write your own driver.


Anyway, I think my experience of Linux sounds similar to yours. I would LOVE to ditch windows forever on my home laptop, but for all it's faults (mega hungry OS, terrible innate security, etc) it's the path of least resistance, and I can do most things straight from the get-go with Windows without having to guess a specific glitch or feature of the specific version of Linux I'm using, or know when something like connecting my wireless printer, or running a rarely used Word/OpenOffice feature isn't going to work.

My advice, FWIW, is install Ubuntu or similar over the top of your XP/Vista and run as a dual boot. Become more familiar with Linux, but leave yourself the old security net of Windows to fall back, for when you just can't get something to work. This will hopefully prevent you from lobbing the PC out of the window.

[administrator]

Or install Linux as the main OS and then run Windows under VM Ware, or vice versa. I hated dual boot. VM Ware rocks

[BrilloPad]

Or install Linux as the main OS and then run Windows under VM Ware, or vice versa. I hated dual boot. VM Ware rocks

I only read this thread as I saw an admin post - I assumed there was trouble. I am a bit disappointed now...