(no subject)

[ffutures]

While I really like the HP MiniNote as a computer, the sad fact is that I am having real problems getting SUSE linux to do the things I want since I appear not to have the linux mindset. I'm beginning to think that Linux was written by Timelords or something, and that "Simply," "just" and "all you need do" are Linux jargon for "it doesn't work for puny humans but we're not going to tell you the real way to do it because your head would explode." I definitely want to keep the computer, but I think I may have to look at other options.

A couple of people have suggested that Ubuntu is a better linux for people like me who aren't linux experts. That has the advantage of being free, and I was hoping to learn more about linux, but I'm starting to wonder if maybe I have more immediate priorities than struggling to learn linux since it won'd advance my career or anything.

A more realistic (in terms of my abilities) solution might be to install Windows XP; HP's web site now has the drivers the MiniNote needs. Amongst other pluses, there are a lot of accessories that will only work with Windows, such as dedicated microscope cameras, TV tuner cards, etc. But of course for this I'd need a legit copy of Windows and COA, and that costs money. You can get the OEM version of XP service pack 1 for £20, but I'd really hate to try this with anything less than SP3, and that's more like £60.

So, a little poll...

[Poll #1314789]

Later: Having reviewed the comments and had a think about it, it really isn't going to cost me anything except time to try Ubuntu first; I'll still need the external drive (I've already ordered a little kit for that) but the Ubuntu download is free. I might as well give it a try before I commit to Windows.

Comments

[stephenbooth-uk.livejournal.com]

Ubuntu (and Debian, on which Ubuntu is based) is fine, so long as you are running absolutely vanilla hardware and software. As soon as you try to put anything clever on,in or near your PC you'll spend more time fighting the OS to let you do it than using the PC. Ubuntu also suffers from the philosophy of Debian. Debian only allows a new function or driver (what makes your hardware work) in after it's been around for a while and most of the bugs have been knocked out. Great for stability but it does mean it serious lags the rest of the world for support for new devices and functionality.

A distro like Slackware will give you much more control, so you won't be fighting the OS no matter what you do. this does mean that you'll have to get really intot he nuts and bolts of the OS as there's no hand holding at all.

SuSE(and RedHat for that matter) are a reasonable compromise between hand holding and not getting in the way. In my experience, the configuration tools on RedHat suck majorly so I'd go with SuSE which has pretty good configuration tools.