What do you people think about ubuntu linux?

duester · 08-04-2005, 02:06 PM

Just wondering what your thoughts are. I don't mind it, I think they have excellent support. And it's free, I hate any version of linux that are distributed for profit, such as lindows. So, any thoughts?

TheHeadFL · 08-04-2005, 03:03 PM

Seems to be pretty popular around here.

Why would you hate it if they try to make a profit? Programmers have to eat, after all.

Juice Daddy · 08-04-2005, 03:27 PM

I ordered some cd's from the site, (not sure if they are still giveing them away) but It has been about a month, and they still have not come in...

if anyone else got some like this, how long did they wait? and I would dl the iso but I no longer have internet at home..., although if I ever do get a copy I will be sure to post what I think of it(new to linux)...

sjpritch25 · 08-04-2005, 05:36 PM

I did the same thing and it took a couple of months. It really depends on where you live. The first time i ordered 12 and it took at least two months. I am in the process of setting my computer to dual boot with ubuntu and windows.....:o

macdude425 · 08-04-2005, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TheHeadFL
Why would you hate it if they try to make a profit? Programmers have to eat, after all.

I hate Lindows too, but not because it's not free, because it just plain sucks.

If I have to pay for Linux, it better be better than all of the free distros.

TheHeadFL · 08-04-2005, 06:40 PM

I'm not talking about Lindows specifically since I don't use it. I'm just saying that its up to them if they want to charge for it. They certainly have a right to if they feel like it.

The one thing that has really kept me from jumping on the Open Source bandwagon is how its basically still a bunch of "Dot Communism" where nobody wants to pay for any software. Sorry, but thats just not practical.

tribalsun · 08-04-2005, 06:49 PM

Never tried Kubuntu but can see that its really moved fast among Linux users as evidenced on distrowatch.com.

OK, this is a cut & paste of my reply a few weeks ago regarding commercial distros.

I have no problems with anyone wanting to receive monetary compensation for their work. Most distros have volunteers working on them while others such as Mandriva and Redhat are a corporation with a dedicated paid staff of employees.

Now please don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that commercial editions are better or worse then their free counter-parts. The great thing about Linux is that their is a distro for almost everyones differing needs. This is where commercial distros come into play. I would not pay for a distro myself as the free distros suit mine and just about every other home or single user just fine.

Companies and corporations however are not going to dedicate and entire infrastructure to someones "hobby" distro. They want and need the support from companies like Mandriva and want the confidence that they are not going to be abandoned with no support. Commercial distros offer that support and are made specifically with the large business/corporate uses in mind. Without that support and confidence from larger commercial distros Linux will never stand a chance in the corporate world.

So yes, I agree and would not pay for Linux myself as a home user. If I had a business to run however I'm going to want the support that commercial distros offer.

Now for some added thoughts. For the home user wanting an alternative to Windows who is not Linux savvy and wants ease of use then distros such as Linspire, Mandrivas Discovery Packs etc etc are just fine as well. With those commercial home editions that various distros offer they include many drivers and softwares that cannot be included on the free editions. That's great for any user be it beginner or not who does not want to hunt down drivers and programs.

Linspire has given back to the Linux community in the form of code for some of their in house software. At the same time Linspire while having a "click-n-run warehouse" which is a paid subscription to applications also has not gutted APT-GET from Linspire for those knowledgeable enough to use APT-GET for package management.

Commercial distros are good for not only the corporate world but the private sector as well. In time many innovations and features once found only in commercial distros eventually make their way into the open-source community for use in any distro that so chooses. With all the free distros out there people will never run out of choices when it comes to Linux.

duester · 08-04-2005, 10:00 PM

Ok, rephrase what I said...I understand that programmers and the people who make linux may need money. But if you look into what open source really means, and what the dream of linux is, you'd understand what I am talking about. I believe it is perfectly alright to charge for tech support and service, but for the OS itself, no. Linux is meant to be shared by the people, and helped by the people. So, yes, it is like a psydo communism base, but unlike you, I believe it will work. For those who want support can pay for it, but open source should always stay free, since that is the dream....even check out ubuntu's mission statement!

jakec · 08-05-2005, 01:11 AM

I Love ubuntu, It's simple and quick, isn't bloated with loads of extra Applications with A great commandline setup to match, just basic Linux. Linux at it's best.

Jake

Grayfox · 08-05-2005, 02:33 AM

Must not bash ubuntu .... Resisting ........

Try linux debian its like ubuntu but without all the crap and it uses xfree86 insted of x.org
http://debian.org

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