Not so impressed with Linux

[Espada III]

I have a nice Samsung netbook running XP. On advice from a load of people who screamed in horror when I told them I was still using it occasionally, I loaded up Zoran (a version of Ubuntu I think recommended by the Tech guy in the Daily Telegraph) as a dual boot.

It works OK but its not particularly fast, in fact I find it clumsy. Have I done anything wrong?

[mixture]

On advice from a load of people who screamed in horror when I told them I was still using it occasionally

Quite right too.

Unless PERMANENTLY disconnected from the internet, XP has no place on a personal computer, or a small business computer ....governments and large corporates are a different kettle of fish, but lets not go there, I've already explained why sufficiently !

I find it clumsy

Whilst I find Linux servers great (i.e text console only, no GUI in sight or installed), Linux desktops are indeed something I find clumsy too... a poor attempt at mimicking Windows.

You may just be better off biting the bullet and upgrading to a supported version of Windows, i.e 7 or, preferably 8.... its not that bad !

[Mac the Knife]

Pity you chose Zorin (not Zoran) Linux (probably because it is supposed to resemble XP) rather than a mature distro like Mint.

Mac

:cool:

[MaximumPete]

I've got Windows 8.1 on my computer and got the supplier, a well-known high street chain, to make it look like the 'older' versions of Windows when it opens.

Desk-top short cuts and it's got the usual start bar on the LHS plus other goodies that only appear when you want them, such a very big time and date and an excellent search facility.

Give it a go and you may surprise yourself.

MP;)

[Espada III]

Guys, I work with Win 7 and 8.1 every day. The reason for not upgrading to these is that I think I only have about 160Gb HDD at most and 1Gb RAM so was worried if it would slow it down too much with MSWin whereas Linux is meant to be lean and fast.

Happy to review. Linux of course is free whereas Win costs £££ and this netbook is only used occasionally. Any ideas? Delete Zorin for Mint?

[finncapt]

Yes,yes and yes to your last question.

Wanted to just say yes but thought that wouldn't get past the "too short" post requirement.

[aerobelly]

Happy to review. Linux of course is free whereas Win costs £££ and this netbook is only used occasionally. Any ideas? Delete Zorin for Mint?

Instead of Mint consider Lubuntu or Xubuntu. They're based on the same original developers (Debian+Ubuntu) but are intended for low-resource systems. Which I'm afraid 1Gb RAM is nowadays. If you do go with Mint, which is what I currently use, do not pick Gnome or KDE as the window-manager. You might be OK with Mate, but all the stuff that Mint "helpfully" loads for you would drag performance down.


'b

[PowerDragTrim]

I agree with aerobelly - Lubuntu is the way to go

Incidentally I am running Lubuntu on an 'antique' Dell L400 - P3, 256 RAM and it is fine! Certainly faster than the original Win 2000.

[seacue]

For what it's worth, here is a link to Mint documentation:

Documentation - Linux Mint (http://www.linuxmint.com/documentation.php)

[Booglebox]

Win 8.1 will run just fine with 1gb RAM, as long as your expectations are reasonable.

[Tinstaafl]

There are quite a few low resource distributions eg Puppy Linux, and also mainstream distros that use a lower resource desktop eg LXDE. Mint Debian + LXDE is what I put on my in-law's machine. I use Kanotix on my laptop, my wife uses Mint Debian + Mate, my son's very old all-in-one has Qimo (a Linux distro for kids).

[sherburn2LA]

don't be intimidated by one self important poster. For many, continuing with XP is a perfectly rational choice for a low spec box. Especially if you turn off everything you don't need.

Unfortunately the mainstream Linux have become very resource hungry not to mention their bizarre UI choices and the smaller ones are more for the enthusiast than the casual user.

[mixture]

don't be intimidated by one self important poster.

Nothing to do with me old chap. Its pure common-sense.

P.S. Please, let's keep personal insults out of here !

For many, continuing with XP is a perfectly rational choice for a low spec box. Especially if you turn off everything you don't need.

It is ONLY a rational choice if you turn off the XP internet connection PERMANENTLY.

[mad_jock]

Only rational to some.

Which is why its still the second biggest os connecting on the internet.

In 5-6 years we might see it dropping down to under 10%.