Operating Systems > Linux and UNIX
Deciding If Linux Is Worth The Switch
Red Falcon:
Hey, I'm currently a windows xp user. I have read most of the sections on this site about microsoft and I feel much more educated about how bad it is and with that in mind I think it is definitly time to leave windows.
There is, however, a few questions I have for all you Linux people. I happen to be a PC Gamer and I've heard that if I ever want to play a game that requires Direct X that I will have to stay with Windows and Linux does not support it. That, is a HUGE problem with me as most games are now with direct x. Is it true that linux can not play games like these?
Also, I'm not sure if I read this correct, but I am under the understanding that even if I reformat my harddrive that there will still be windows files on it from before. Is that true? And, if so, would they remain there after I installed linux?
Ok, probably the question I will have the hardest time getting feedback with.. What is the best Linux for a starter, to the best for a gamer. I'd like to have similar features I had on windows xp like the wallpaper and start menu and such without getting a windows emulator :/
What are my chances of getting hacked/virus attacks on my computer if I was on Linux than if I was on windows?
Is there a site out there that sells many products for just linux? If so what is the link? I'd like to check it out.
Please respond, so many people tell me Linux is simply "better" but I need these questions answered if you want me to beleive it.
creedon:
RE:viruses NEVER, repeat NEVER go on the internet as "root"!
foobar:
quote:Originally posted by Red Falcon:
Hey, I'm currently a windows xp user. I have read most of the sections on this site about microsoft and I feel much more educated about how bad it is and with that in mind I think it is definitly time to leave windows.
--- End quote ---
Welcome.
quote:
There is, however, a few questions I have for all you Linux people. I happen to be a PC Gamer and I've heard that if I ever want to play a game that requires Direct X that I will have to stay with Windows and Linux does not support it. That, is a HUGE problem with me as most games are now with direct x. Is it true that linux can not play games like these?
--- End quote ---
Well, i don't know much about Direct X, but there are some ports you can find, for linux. Like all Quakes, UT and kingpin.
Just hit google with something like '+quake 1 for +linux'
quote:
Also, I'm not sure if I read this correct, but I am under the understanding that even if I reformat my harddrive that there will still be windows files on it from before. Is that true? And, if so, would they remain there after I installed linux?
--- End quote ---
Certainly not. I heard that The Death System (also known as windows xp) now creates a partition on your disk for 'installing puposes'. That if your windoze would ever crash (which it like will do alot), there's lots of stuff on it that would help you get ur windows back. (Just hearsay folks ! Correct me if i'm wrong !)
Windows hides these partitions from you, and it also can't see linux partitions.
Linux, however, can simply erase and see all of your entire disk drive (s) and partition them like you'd want to. If you want, there will be no more M$ on your harddisk.
quote:
Ok, probably the question I will have the hardest time getting feedback with.. What is the best Linux for a starter, to the best for a gamer. I'd like to have similar features I had on windows xp like the wallpaper and start menu and such without getting a windows emulator :/
--- End quote ---
I heard about a Mandrake Gaming Edition someday, maybe you'll find it on mandrake.com.
I'm currently using mandrake, but i started out with slackware. Slackware is the 'do-it-yourself'
distro, with a simple text install. It requires some background knowledge, so i wouldn't recommend it to you. Mandrake is a good option for you, since it's very simple and has a truly powerful installation tool, although all those funky graphical 'control centers' aren't my beef.
quote:
What are my chances of getting hacked/virus attacks on my computer if I was on Linux than if I was on windows?
--- End quote ---
Because linux is spreaded under the GPL, you can edit it freely, or wtf, make your own linux !
Because there is so much variety in linuxes, you have red hat, mandrake, suse, and a lots more, it is practicly impossible to make a virus that will
infest lots of computers. So the chance that you'd get infected is very, very small. Just don't internet as root :D
quote:
Is there a site out there that sells many products for just linux? If so what is the link? I'd like to check it out.
--- End quote ---
Well, with linux (that's my experience) you've got two options:
* Buy it.
* Download it.
I think most linux distributors give you what you always should have got for that money. I know a friend who bought 7 (!) SuSe cd's and three booklets for just $45.
If you've got broadband, hop to http://www.linuxiso.org and download an image !
Check the end of ex elevens's reply for more linux distro pages.
quote:
Please respond, so many people tell me Linux is simply "better" but I need these questions answered if you want me to beleive it.
--- End quote ---
I nearly always get replies so don't worry about it.
[ July 09, 2002: Message edited by: -=f00bar=- ]
Red Falcon:
what did you mean by "dont internet as root?
voidmain:
"root" is the administrative user name on all UNIX (or UNIX like) operating systems. It has supreme power on the system. It is a general rule that you never log on to your system as the user "root". You should always create a normal user account (one for each person using the computer preferably). Then use that username (normal user level access) to log on and go about your daily tasks. You should only use the "root" account if you have to make changes to the operating system, and then you do not have to "log in" as root, you can use the "su" (switch user) utility to perform a function as the root user after entering root's password. There are many other ways of giving root level access for specific functions as well. If you install KDE you will find some root level tasks on the menu but you will first have to enter root's password to access them. It's just plain good system security. Yes, it's even a good idea for home computing as it puts the stoppers on viruses and the like. Hopefully if Linux becomes more popular in the home, these security measures are not overlooked.
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