Linux FAQs and Myths, Ending that Linux Hate!

This thread will have a list of all of the Linux FAQs and Myths that make people hate Linux so much. I hope to end some of the lies and rumors spread around MFGG, so I don't have to see as many flamewars over whether or not Linux sucks. Please keep this thread civil. If you want to say something against Linux, post it here in a friendly way so that I may try to explain the Myth/FAQ/Possible Truth. It will start out with one Myth, and will slowly be built up. However, some people will say things that are true about Linux that will make you not want to use Linux, and don't worry, I will not lie! If I do lie, it's probably a mistake. I encourage Linux Experts to assist with this, so that many of these lies about Linux are corrected.

Myth: Linux is free, so it must suck!
Truth: Why would you think this? This is a very biased statement. Cave Story is free and people LOVE it! Knytt(Stories) is free, and while it's not as popular as Cave Story, it's still a great game! Just because something is free, doesn't mean it sucks!

Myth: Nothing runs when you first install Linux
Truth: This IS true! Why? Linux is only a Kernel, which means the "base" of an Operating System. It's not really an Operating System! For Linux Distros(Linux-based Operating Systems), however, this is PARTIALLY true! Linux Distros can run any Linux-based programs, and quite a few Macintosh OSX Programs, due to Mac OSX being POSIX-compliant(it is compatible with the Standards for UNIX, like Linux is). However, they cannot run Windows Applications, and most Linux Distros cannot use File Formats that require a License, such as MP3. Luckily, Linux Distros CAN run MOST Windows Applications, including the ever popular Source Engine Games, through the use of an addition to Linux called WINE. WINE can be obtained through the Package Manager that comes with your Linux Distro. A Package Manager is a piece of software that allows easy, or relatively easy, installation of "Packages", or sets of Software/Libraries/etc.

Myth: Almost everything requires fighting with the Command Prompt
Truth: That used to be true, back when Linux was new, but nowadays, the Distro Developers are VERY focused on making many of these programs not require the command line! Some of them still do, but most of them don't.

Myth: Linux is, in terms of the aggregate, far too difficult for the average computer user to operate properly, even on user-friendly distributions like Ubuntu.
Truth: It really depends on how used to Windows you are, and how willing you are to learn a new interface. If you know how to get around the Windows Interface inside and out, then you will probably have a hard time with the interfaces of various Linux Distros. If you are relatively new to computers, or if you are willing to learn a new interface, it should be pretty easy! If you ever need to do something that requires the command line though, you may want to ask on the internet how to do it, but be sure to search Google first!

Myth: Linux, while free and easy at first, is a ***** to set up unless you're willing to invest alot of time into one installation.
Truth: This is true for some things, which can be a problem, but I have yet to find something that would be hard for a new Linux user to do, even when reading a guide. Most of the guides for Linux Distros on the internet are designed for someone who is new to Linux Distros.

Myth: WINE is an Emulator
Truth: WINE stands for WINE Is Not an Emulator. Many people assume it is an emulator because it allows Linux Distros to run Windows Programs. The truth is, WINE is an ADDITION to the Linux Kernel that adds native support for Windows PE Files.

Some more websites to look at if you want to learn more about Linux:
http://getgnulinux.org/

This post has been edited by OniLink10 on Sep 24 2009, 07:07 PM

is it true that almost nothing runs when you first get install and that almost everything requires fighting with the command prompt

also

I'd just like to interject for a moment. What you're referring to as Linux, is in fact, GNU/Linux, or as I've recently taken to calling it, GNU plus Linux. Linux is not an operating system unto itself, but rather another free component of a fully functioning GNU system made useful by the GNU corelibs, shell utilities and vital system components comprising a full OS as defined by POSIX.

Many computer users run a modified version of the GNU system every day, without realizing it. Through a peculiar turn of events, the version of GNU which is widely used today is often called "Linux", and many of its users are not aware that it is basically the GNU system, developed by the GNU Project.

There really is a Linux, and these people are using it, but it is just a part of the system they use. Linux is the kernel: the program in the system that allocates the machine's resources to the other programs that you run. The kernel is an essential part of an operating system, but useless by itself; it can only function in the context of a complete operating system. Linux is normally used in combination with the GNU operating system: the whole system is basically GNU with Linux added, or GNU/Linux. All the so-called "Linux" distributions are really distributions of GNU/Linux.

This post has been edited by B.M. on Sep 24 2009, 06:11 PM

Myth: Linux is, in terms of the aggregate, far too difficult for the average computer user to operate properly, even on user-friendly distributions like Ubuntu.

Fact: Linux is, in terms of the aggregate, far too difficult for the average computer user to operate properly, even on user-friendly distributions like Ubuntu.

there you have it, folks

If I could define a filter large enough to fit those three paragraphs I would use it. How can anyone expect people to keep an open mind to a different operating system when they're assaulted over a technical difference in the name.

Linux while free and easy at first, is a ***** to set up unless you're willing to invest alot of time into one installation.

Well it is a troll copypasta, so...

just a joke, rii
didn't mean any harm from it

can you filter each paragraph by themselves?

I mean sure I've run linux myself and usually have an enjoyable time, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone I know unless they really have no other options.

wine is a windows emulator
and don't disagree because it is

It so isn't.

What's next? Snes9x not a emulator?

This post has been edited by DJ Elly on Sep 24 2009, 06:41 PM

I could make some meaningful contribution to this thread, but it'd be lost in the sea of "wine is a windows emulator and don't disagree because it is" posts and uninformed blanket statements about difficulty intended to apply only to linux but that really apply to all popular operating systems (perhaps I'll illustrate this point in the future)

so I'll just link to http://getgnulinux.org/ (which chews up a lot of the topic in easy-to-understand terms) and be on my way

excuse me lif but I believe I'm informed enough to make that claim

I'm certainly capable in computers but even I found fedora9 a ***** to put in. The only totally user-friendly Linux environment I've come across was the packaged system on the first netbooks.

Actually, it's an addition to the Linux Kernel that adds native support for Windows PE Files, meaning it's not an Emulator.

And yes guys, I'm working on the first post. Thanks for that link, Lightning! I'll add it to the first post!

This post has been edited by OniLink10 on Sep 24 2009, 06:52 PM

Windows User:
I LIEK WINDOZE ITS COOL AND WORKZ AND IS E-Z

Macintosh User:
wats a computer i thought there were only macs

GNU/Linux User:
I'd just like to interject for a moment. What you're referring to as Linux, is in fact, GNU/Linux, or as I've recently taken to calling it, GNU plus Linux. Linux is not an operating system unto itself, but rather another free component of a fully functioning GNU system made useful by the GNU corelibs, shell utilities and vital system components comprising a full OS as defined by POSIX.

Many computer users run a modified version of the GNU system every day, without realizing it. Through a peculiar turn of events, the version of GNU which is widely used today is often called "Linux", and many of its users are not aware that it is basically the GNU system, developed by the GNU Project.

There really is a Linux, and these people are using it, but it is just a part of the system they use. Linux is the kernel: the program in the system that allocates the machine's resources to the other programs that you run. The kernel is an essential part of an operating system, but useless by itself; it can only function in the context of a complete operating system. Linux is normally used in combination with the GNU operating system: the whole system is basically GNU with Linux added, or GNU/Linux. All the so-called "Linux" distributions are really distributions of GNU/Linux.


Also, OL, please refrain from using weasel words as arguments.

This post has been edited by RetroXYZ on Sep 24 2009, 06:53 PM

that entire page is "blarg linux is free and easy to use hurf derf window$ is bad micro$oft!!1!"
seriously
also linux isn't easy to use ****

kinda late bro, already been posted.

in part, that's the problem. like I said, I'm not gonna pursue a discussion about this at the present, as it goes beyond both the scope of this thread and the constraints of my free time.

right then