It’s like Windows 8, minus the bad bits

A Windows 8 user's view on Linux Mint:

Although I currently use Windows 8 as my daily driver due to better game and CableCard support, I have followed Mint releases since version 11 Katya, and have continually been impressed by how fast each new Mint release runs on my system. In that respect, version 14 does not disappoint at all. There are a couple of minor quirks with Mint 14, but overall I came away highly impressed with the new release. And with Steam and Netflix — two of the three major barriers to me switching to Linux Mint full-time — now working on Linux, the future is looking bright for the open-source operating system. I dual-booted the new Linux Mint distribution to test drive it, and after using it all day (and to write this article) I will be keeping it installed alongside Windows 8, and I heartily recommend you try it out for yourself.

Linux Mint 14 released: It’s like Windows 8, minus the bad bits | ExtremeTech

We live in interesting times.

 

[Chrono]

There is definitely a ton of potential in Linux and I'm sure with Valve backing it strongly now, there will be even further developments. "Free" is a very strong motivator. The thing is, I don't see Linux going mainstream for a very long time. The only way it can possibly compete is to be an option for pre-built computers. While we do see Linux in stores in some products, the ratio is almost completely one-sided. We've seen what happened with 8 and because of a lack of a tutorial, many were confused. With Linux, it would definitely be worse in that aspect.

 

[SIW2]

Hard to tell what will happen.

The big oem's already kick in a little $500 k each to the linux foundation.

That helps to develop their mobile offerings.

It isn't impossible they could multiply that by ten - and support development of an alternative full scale o/s.

It would be a great benefit to them at very little cost.

They have seen the public gobbling up the Android variants. No reason why they shouldn't do the same with a bigger o/s - if it is tailored better.

The only way it can possibly compete is to be an option for pre-built computers.

Seems to me that is the way forward for Linux desktop - it really needs to come pre installed on a decent proportion of oem machines if it is to gain any traction.

Now is the time. MS have left themselves wide open for attack . Not literally next week - but in the next year or so.

That is also why I am wondering what Timmy Cook is thinking.

It's issues with dual monitor support, some drivers etc that show that Linux isn't quite there yet, but I have a feeling that things are going to change and the way that Microsoft appears to be heading, may be the catalyst for that necessary change.

 

[BillWindows]

.Seems to me that is the way forward for Linux desktop - it really needs to come pre installed on a decent proportion of oem machines if it is to gain any traction.

Now is the time. MS have left themselves wide open for attack . Not literally next week - but in the next year or so.


That is also why I am wondering what Timmy Cook is thinking.

Wow, like wow, I thought this was just a battle, this is starting to sound like World War 3. The peasants are revolting, really revolting

 

[pparks1]

One thing to always bear in mind with the Linux distributions is that the hardware vendors often don't lift one little finger to provide Linux driver support. Most things have to be reverse engineered and figured out. However, on the Windows front, these devices are designed for and drivers are provided by the manufacturer. So, before people try out Linux distros and such, it's always wise to plan out your PC build ahead of time to work with manufacturers who actually do provide driver support for their hardware. It always makes success with Linux a bit more of a possibility.

 

[SIW2]

Nothing to do with peasants.

Unless that is what you call Tim Cook and the masters at Linux Foundation.

Obviously, if a previously dominant player has caused dislike/confusion/hesitation in the market, then it is a good time for others to move in.

That is in general, not just in computing.

 

[labeeman]

One thing to always bear in mind with the Linux distributions is that the hardware vendors often don't lift one little finger to provide Linux driver support. Most things have to be reverse engineered and figured out. However, on the Windows front, these devices are designed for and drivers are provided by the manufacturer. So, before people try out Linux distros and such, it's always wise to plan out your PC build ahead of time to work with manufacturers who actually do provide driver support for their hardware. It always makes success with Linux a bit more of a possibility.

If M$ creates enough distrust with OEMs then we may get drivers for other OS. Without good drivers for Linux written by manufactures we do not get the full use of the hardware in Linux.

 

[pparks1]

If M$ creates enough distrust with OEMs then we may get drivers for other OS. Without good drivers for Linux written by manufactures we do not get the full use of the hardware in Linux.

I agree, but when people say, "Linux just isn't there yet", this is always the first thing that comes to mind.

 

[BillWindows]

Nothing to do with peasants.

Unless that is what you call Tim Cook and the masters at Linux Foundation.

Obviously, if a previously dominant player has caused dislike/confusion/hesitation in the market, then it is a good time for others to move in.

That is in general, not just in computing.

Only kidding really, I'm glad there's a bit of competition, I've used Linux and don't mind it, trouble is, it either works or it doesn't. If it doesn't you have to learn a new language. I use Android and IOS, trouble is they're not Windows, especially Windows 8.

I can understand how some people feel about Windows 8, but to me it's all about connectivity and sharing networking etc, Windows 8 on PCs, tablets and phones will bring all this together. I'm even going to sign up for Office 365 for a while just to see how it all connects, I just wish it would have come out when I was younger so I could get more use out of it and Skydrive.

 

[Ray8]

Yeah, 'it either works or it doesn't'. I guess that's why this forum has so many sections for people seeking help?

 

[BillWindows]

Yeah, 'it either works or it doesn't'. I guess that's why this forum has so many sections for people seeking help?

You should get out more Ray, every OS has its problems, all forums are full of people with problems, there are people who can't operate a TV remote.

 

[Ray8]

I'll soon get Bill to agree that complaints made about Windows 8 are more than justified.

 

[BillWindows]

I'll soon get Bill to agree that complaints made about Windows 8 are more than justified.

Yes as soon as the Antarctic melts.

 

[Ray8]

I'll soon get Bill to agree that complaints made about Windows 8 are more than justified.

Yes as soon as the Antarctic melts.

And thus is revealed his utter belief that Windows 8 is perfect and anyone that does not think so is 'doing it wrong'.

As once stated by Bill, 'It's not what Windows 8 can do for you, but what you can do for Windows 8.'

 

[BillWindows]

I'll soon get Bill to agree that complaints made about Windows 8 are more than justified.

Yes as soon as the Antarctic melts.

And thus is revealed his utter belief that Windows 8 is perfect and anyone that does not think so is 'doing it wrong'.

As once stated by Bill, 'It's not what Windows 8 can do for you, but what you can do for Windows 8.'

Ive never said it was perfect, I've always said its the way forward, did I really say that, cool.