The 'Easiest' OS

[lukasfoz]

Ive experimented with non-windows OSs before but have always encountered problems, mainly due to the fact I mad my PC myself and its not store made which would probably make hardware configuration easier. Anyway at the moment I dont really have time to fully learn the use of linux/UNIX but would love to try a non-windows OS. Which one would present the least problems and ease of use,regardless of features? Thank you

[insomnia]

quote:Originally posted by Lukey:
Ive experimented with non-windows OSs before but have always encountered problems, mainly due to the fact I mad my PC myself and its not store made which would probably make hardware configuration easier. Anyway at the moment I dont really have time to fully learn the use of linux/UNIX but would love to try a non-windows OS. Which one would present the least problems and ease of use,regardless of features? Thank you

Eh, that would be Linux...

Try Fedora Core 2
http://fedora.redhat.com/

or buy SuSE
http://www.suse.com/us/

If you have any problem with them, just ask.

[bedouin]

Easiest?  I believe this is what you're looking for.  Yes you'll need to buy new hardware, but an eMac can be obtained for $749 with an educational discount.  It doesn't hurt to check the refurbished deals on Apple's web site from time to time as well.

Places like MacMall and Mac Connection have been offering the previous generation G3 iBooks for $699, which is a reasonable price if you want to cut your teeth on OS X.  

If Macs disappear I'll go back to Linux again -- until then I'm using OS X.  I've never been as happy with any x86 machine as I have been my Macs.  Shoot, I even have fun repairing some of my friends' Macs (whom I convinced to switch) because the problems are rarely anything that cannot be repaired in 5 minutes.

[solarismka]

quote:Originally posted by Lukey:
Ive experimented with non-windows OSs before but have always encountered problems, mainly due to the fact I mad my PC myself and its not store made which would probably make hardware configuration easier. Anyway at the moment I dont really have time to fully learn the use of linux/UNIX but would love to try a non-windows OS. Which one would present the least problems and ease of use,regardless of features? Thank you

It really depends.  But after everything that is setup I find that any Linux system with the KDE UI is easier to use than that of even windows.  I noticed that both FC2 (fedora core) and SuSE Linux as a great distro which comes with KDE

[mobrien_12]

Why don't you try Knoppix?

BeOS might be good too but it's kindof dying.

[Aloone_Jonez]

Lukey,
What specification is your machine?
Please give details of your modem, graphics and sound card.

[Refalm]

Yes, you could try BeOS if you dislike Linux, BSD and Windows.

This is the free edition: BeOS Max
And this is the commercial edition: yellowTAB Zeta

Just try BeOS Max. It's nothing like Linux, UNIX or Windows. BeOS is stable, easy to use and light. You can run it on a P-MMX 133 MHz without any lag.

[insomnia]

quote:Originally posted by bedouin:
Easiest? I believe this is what you're looking for.Yes you'll need to buy new hardware, but an eMac can be obtained for $749 with an educational discount.  It doesn't hurt to check the refurbished deals on Apple's web site from time to time as well.

Places like MacMall and Mac Connection have been offering the previous generation G3 iBooks for $699, which is a reasonable price if you want to cut your teeth on OS X.  

If Macs disappear I'll go back to Linux again -- until then I'm using OS X.  I've never been as happy with any x86 machine as I have been my Macs.  Shoot, I even have fun repairing some of my friends' Macs (whom I convinced to switch) because the problems are rarely anything that cannot be repaired in 5 minutes.

Did he ask for new hardware?

Knoppix is indeed a good idea.
BeOS is only an option if you don't need many software.

[ August 10, 2004: Message edited by: insomnia ]

[Refalm]

quote:insomnia: BeOS is only an option if you don't need many software.

Indeed. I recommend it to people who dislike Windows, have some kind of hatred against UNIX and don't want to try a Mac.

The choice of software is less than on the Linux or Mac OS platform, and the choice of modern games are certainly low (BeOS can't compete against the broad games choice of Linux, like UT 2004, DOOM III, Neverwinter Nights, etc.).

[ August 10, 2004: Message edited by: Refalm / BOB ]

[hm_murdock]

BeOS is great. it was what I used for a long time before I had a Mac...

then I got pissed at Apple and am back to PCs, now with Red Hat 9 and I like it plenty.

[bedouin]

quote:Originally posted by insomnia:
Did he ask for new hardware?

Nope, but he didn't say he was opposed to it either.  

He basically said he has already tried LInux, but had an unsuccessful experience because of unsupported hardware and an inability to configure it.  The most logical choice here is a Mac -- especially if he wants to keep using UNIX (which I'm assuming is true given the forum's name).  

And how can anyone recommend BeOS to him?  If he can't get Linux going on his hardware, what makes you think an OS with even tighter hardware requirements is going to work?

Even running Linux on a Mac is easier in some respects, since the hardware is so similar on each model.  G3 iBooks make great Linux machines, superior to many x86 options in the same price range.

[hm_murdock]

Be OS Max includes support for hardware that they never dreamed of when Be OS 5 was released.

[insomnia]

Don't waste money on Macs.
PS2 is better.

[Laukev7]

quote:Originally posted by insomnia:
Don't waste money on Macs.
PS2 is better.

You know nothing about Macs.

[insomnia]

quote:Originally posted by Laukev7 / BOB:


You know nothing about Macs.

It doesn't have super cow powers.