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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,044 Likes: 16
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OP
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,044 Likes: 16 |
Not sure I made a wise choice, jury still out. It took about 14 hours to do. I am finding most of my stuff still in place but so far can not find my favourites of which I had a long list. I don't see any great improvements, maybe it will grow on me, but as of now, the - out number the + if you get my drift.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,044 Likes: 16
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Joined: Aug 2002
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Hey! Things are looking up, just found my long list of favourites. Hooray.
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 7,412
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 7,412 |
Humm, Well, you can Google that old Hank Thompson song, THE GRASS LOOKS GREENER.
Ray E. Strode
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 750 Likes: 2
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 750 Likes: 2 |
I've been using Linux for over 90% of my computer stuff, including this internet session, for about a year now. There are still a few things I haven't figured how to do well in Linux, but that list keeps getting smaller every week. Those few remaining items I'm doing within Windows XP or 7, depending upon the computer being used and the application.
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 513
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 513 |
Let us know how you feel about the new OS once you have had a chance to evaluate it further. You can be the canary in the coal mine for me! Peace, TC
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831 |
Hi Everett:
I'm tired and disgusted with the "Tyranny of Microsoft and Apple" and have downloaded and installed Linux Mint Cinnamon (a free graphical user interface that will require a little investment of learning time) but which purports to provide music related software for editing and recording, etc., ...all for free. (Plus a plethora of other programs and apps.)
It is now "up and running" and I have finally learned how to connect that dedicated PC to my Wi-Fi System. So far, I am impressed with the progress Linux is making at a Graphical User Interface. A few years ago, I attempted Red Hat Linux and was completely "turned-off" because of the complexity and need to know a bunch of commands and programming languages, etc.
This appears to be not the case with this distribution (Mint Cinnamon v17.2) What could be better than free software on such a broad front.
Is it perfect? No! Can it replace these two practical monopolies (Microsoft and Apple)... probably. Waiting to upload Windows 10 and having to put up with a "marathon" 10 or more hours to get it installed... filled with bugs, and a probable invoice in the near future... is not a reasonable business approach.
The learning curve is steep but not nearly as bad as with previous distributions. I urge you to investigate it before wasting more dollars on the two "Robber Barons" of Operating System Software. Regards,
----Dave
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,044 Likes: 16
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Joined: Aug 2002
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Thanks Dave. I've never tried Linux, all I've ever had was Microsoft and every time I upgrade it throws something off and I have to correct it. They said all files would stay as they were, not true, I was going through my lyrics files the other day and some of the lyrics are all over the place, half on one page and the other half on the next page. Took me a while dragging them into place. I like some thing about 10, some more I don't, maybe when I learn it all it will be OK, but by that time they will have another upgrade.
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 10,190 Likes: 30
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 10,190 Likes: 30 |
I downloaded 10. Wasn't my cup of tea. Went back to 7. Don't know why I even tried 10. 7 does everything I want it to do. 10 was loaded with a lot of crap I'd never use. John
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
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I need to provide additional information about my progress with Linux Mint. So far, it appears to be pretty stable and has a great deal of available software on a fairly broad front. Most of this available software is free. Not all of it is good and a little time must be devoted to winnowing out the "wheat from the chaff."
There is a noticeable lack of support from Printer Manufacturers such as Epson and others. I believe they will begin to recognize the groundswell forming around Linux and eventually support it with better drivers and supporting software for doing things like designing CD Labels to be printed onto CDs directly from their machines.
I have not yet tried any music production software or programs but have installed a couple of their available MP3 players. So far, both work well. I do my best to disable synchronizing features in order to keep my music from ending up in the hands of people I don't know.
With my Wi-Fi up and running again, my Apple iPad is able to send and receive signals from Apple HQ and it appears that they are tightening the noose around the necks of those of us who don't enjoy doing things their way. The iPad was the biggest waste of dollars I've ever been guilty of doing. I've read about ways to "jailbreak" an iPad and other devices and will probably do that when time permits.
Back to Linux. If you have a spare computer gathering dust in the closet or bookshelf, I would encourage you to wipe the hard drive clean (free program but I forget the name) and it does take several hours to complete, then follow the instructions for creating a DVD download of Linux Mint's latest distribution and install it. The Linux community appears to have grown up in a programmer's environment, so be prepared to read a lot of "codespeak" but most of it can be ignored via the graphical user interface.
More later. ----Dave
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 750 Likes: 2
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If you have a spare computer gathering dust in the closet or bookshelf, I would encourage you to wipe the hard drive clean There is no need to wipe the drive clean to load Linux. You may want to because you have some sensitive stuff on it you no longer need which you don't want anyone else to hack into, but that is a problem with any operating system. Three of my computers (like this one I'm presently using) are dual boot, meaning they can boot in either Linux or Windows. This sounds complicated and it usually is with Windows or Apple, which discourage it. But with Linux it is relatively simple and encouraged. You should load Windows first and then Linux, as loading Windows last will let Windows defeat the dual boot options. There are many versions of Linux to choose from. I've tried Linux Mint, but I find it a bit bloated kind of like Windows 8 and 10. I tend to run faster, less memory intensive versions of Linux, such as Xubuntu or Lubuntu. They even have really lean versions, like Linux Puppy, which will run on really old computers, such as Pentium IIs with 128 MB of RAM which you can't get any recent version of Windows to run on. Virtually all versions of Linux let you run Live DVD or Live USB, where your Linux operating system boots from a DVD or USB thumb drive without writing over any of your system hard drive. This is great for trying out the different versions to see which one you prefer. If you like the version you are testing, it is then easy to load it onto your system from the live DVD/thumb drive. The operating system you are testing does run slower from the DVD or thumb drive, which is why you would want to eventually permanently load your prefered version.
Last edited by Andy K; 11/13/15 12:18 AM.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Hi Andy:
Thanks for your input. I prefaced my comment about wiping a drive clean with the "If you have a spare computer" statement. I know that many do not have spare PCs but I had an old HP acquired from a used computer store and I wanted to ensure there were no hidden files, apps or programs that might cause problems downstream. Starting from scratch seemed the logical thing to do.
I've been interested in computers and operating systems for many years beginning with DOS, CP/M, the Amiga, Apple's early ventures and other systems. When I had the extra space available, I must have had at least ten computers of various types available in my little studio tucked inside my barn.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. I approach computers from the perspective of a user... not that of a programmer or gamer. You are right, the advent of USB and the Memory Stick have changed computing in a big way. It has also opened up the door for "hacks" and large security breaches. Many new systems will not offer USB as we know it for that reason. It is a shame our world is raising a generation of thoughtless, self-centered youngsters who think of other's property as their playground.
Regards, ----Dave
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,911 Likes: 1
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,911 Likes: 1 |
My installation of Windows 10 starts at 7pm so if you never hear from me again, you'll know why.
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 10,190 Likes: 30
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 10,190 Likes: 30 |
Good luck with it Colin. If you become frustrated with it, you'll have 30 days to revert back to your previous version. I reverted... John
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
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Hey Colin:
Best of luck with it. I hope Microsoft finally "gets one operating system right!" The demos I've seen at big box stores look pretty good but I have not been able to put it through it's paces all by myself. John's right... if you don't like it, be sure to revert before the end of 30 days.
I'm still "wringing out" Linux Mint and I'm pleased with it thus far. Taking it a step at a time... baby steps... but with so many other things to do, a slow approach is always a good one.
Keep us posted about what you think and how it went when you have time.
Regards, ----Dave
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 614
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 614 |
I havn't changed from Windows 7 to Windows 8 because I prefer the conventional interface. Windows 7 is not going to be serviced with updates forever. Can I get the classic screens with these new versions?
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"If one man can do it, any man can do it. It is true. But the real question is, if one man did it, are you willing to do what it takes to do it as well?" –Brian Austin Whitney
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