Is Linux Mint Better Then Windows 7 I think so do you agree ?

cable842 · 26-10-2009 06:54AM #1

Im hearing all this hype about windows 7 everyone is talking about it windows 7 windows 7 this windows 7 that.

I used it for a few months I liked it was good not amazin but much better then xp and 2000. a breath of fresh air with no problems while I used it.

Ive been using LInux Mint for two months and I would never go back to Windows at all.

LInux Mint has everything I could ever want and ever need.

Hears My Question ?

Is LInux MInt Better then Windows 7 ?

would like to all to have your say people

Naikon · 26-10-2009 07:22AM

cable842 wrote: »

Im hearing all this hype about windows 7 everyone is talking about it windows 7 windows 7 this windows 7 that.

I used it for a few months I liked it was good not amazin but much better then xp and 2000. a breath of fresh air with no problems while I used it.

Ive been using LInux Mint for two months and I would never go back to Windows at all.

LInux Mint has everything I could ever want and ever need.

Hears My Question ?

Is LInux MInt Better then Windows 7 ?

would like to all to have your say people

Even if it is better, most windows users would not really care unless they
at least tried Mint. Mint is a nice distro, but sadly, I don't see the masses flocking to it.

Shame, because an army of scummy marketing people, along with the insightful slogon 'your pc, simplified'
really does trick unsuspecting users. Better to spread FUD then give an objective, non bull$hit comparison
of the merits and faults of both Win7 and Mint. Mint isn't shrink wrapped in a box. People don't like this.

Anytime I hear people talking about Linux and the like, I always hear 'oh that
command line os, too poxy for me'. A distro like Mint would flourish even more
if the windows users weren't so stubborn. Shame really.

[/rant]

Tom Dunne · 26-10-2009 09:01AM

cable842 wrote: »

Is LInux MInt Better then Windows 7 ?

Define better.

Also, how much experience do you have with Windows 7? If you have none, how can you say which is better?

Khannie · 26-10-2009 01:39PM

Haven't tried windows 7. My general windows v's linux experience is this:

In windows, stuff generally just works. It's a decent OS.
In Linux, once you've overcome the learning hump, there's nothing you can't achieve.

ravydavygravy · 26-10-2009 09:21PM

As a linux lover, I was pleasantly suprised to see how much improved windows 7 was over older os'. It was a quick install (for windows), with very little data entry, runs quick, looks good, and performs well on mediocre hardware (my test machine was zipping along running business edition on 1GB ram and a 2 year old CPU). I think its a good OS, but we'll see how it performs after a few months - that has always been one of the big problems with windows for me.

But then, my opinion has always been each to his own - I like linux because I use it for a living, and enjoy coding/web stuff. I probably wouldn't be such a fan if I liked high-end PC gaming or some other specialist area. So these "Is X better than Y" threads are a bit pointless - its all subjective.

BopNiblets · 26-10-2009 09:53PM

Dual booting RC W7 and Mint 7, I'd say I use them 50/50, but only because I'm a gamer (TF2 doesn't look great under Wine).
Once the Source engine gets onto Linux, Windows usage will drop like it's hot.

Naikon · 26-10-2009 11:56PM

BopNiblets wrote: »

Dual booting RC W7 and Mint 7, I'd say I use them 50/50, but only because I'm a gamer (TF2 doesn't look great under Wine).
Once the Source engine gets onto Linux, Windows usage will drop like it's hot.

Call me a pessimist, but Newell would rather eat his left knut
than give to the go ahead to Linux as a platform. Too much of their
codebase(steam) and the games are tied to windows.

They should have ported to the Mac by this stage. It WON'T happen.
I suspect there are plenty of OS specific hacks used in the source engine.
Can't be sure about that, but it would make sense considering other game
developers supporting Linux keep the code mostly platform agnostic.

Even if there were no games for linux(which is not the case) I would still use it
over windows. Not because it's "More secure" "free" ect. It's technically superior
in many ways where windows has yet to catch up.

I am in the minority here, but I am certain that the only way to get Linux
up to speed in gaming is to simply show support for native games.
WINE has always been and will always be a crutch/hack. Not a solution.

Woahh, went a bit crazy there...

BopNiblets · 27-10-2009 03:18AM

They already found linux mentioned in the Steam libraries as I understand it, but that was last year.

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=steam_confirmation&num=1

If it weren't for games I'd have no reason, my mam for example uses Mint just as well as Windows (still have to show her how to so stuff but no more than WIndows!

)

cable842 · 27-10-2009 01:43PM

i have two months experience using linux mint. I like it you can try it out for 3 weeks you just pop in the cd and it loads up from there if you really like it just click install and then your using linux.

Ive been running it two months i really like it it does everything for me that i want media Internet you name it.

I say download it try it out and see what you think.

Ive install it on two mates laptops and they love it there computers are running way faster they when windows were on it.

after you do the install you can install a program that lets you install windows and you can dual boot them. So when it starts up pick one.

Tom Dunne wrote: »

Define better.

Also, how much experience do you have with Windows 7? If you have none, how can you say which is better?

stereo_steve · 27-10-2009 07:06PM

I regard myself as a pretty techie person, wanting the latest and greatest.

To be honest I have no desire to check out Windows 7. It doesn't even peak my interest a little. I'm going to stick with Ubuntu 9.10

/Steve

Eliot Rosewater · 28-10-2009 12:19AM

Get a load of the great praise Windows 7's getting. "Theres no problems with it," "its way faster than Vista," "more reliable" etc. You see if your a Windows user having a OS that is fast, reliable and does what you want is a novelty. They have come to expect such crap that anything remotely good is seen a a gift from the messiah.

As a desktop user who mostly uses Ubuntu for Internet browsing, typing and a little splash of web development, Windows just doesnt compare. When I click the Firefox logo in Ubuntu it comes up straight away. When I click it in Windows it can take up to 90 seconds. When I put a corrupt SD card into Ubuntu Nautilus stops responding and closes discreetly within seconds. When I put it into Windows the whole thing crashes and I have to wait minutes while Explorer and the start bar reload.

Stark · 28-10-2009 12:25AM

I abandoned XP for Ubuntu over 2 years ago. Recently though I've been using both Windows 7 and Ubuntu and I think Windows is back on par. I find the new taskbar more comfortable than the traditional taskbar in GNOME and KDE and the dock in Mac OS X for one thing.

Naikon · 28-10-2009 02:48PM

Stark wrote: »

I abandoned XP for Ubuntu over 2 years ago. Recently though I've been using both Windows 7 and Ubuntu and I think Windows is back on par. I find the new taskbar more comfortable than the traditional taskbar in GNOME and KDE and the dock in Mac OS X for one thing.

I don't want to start a flamefest, but is this the only reason you
feel will send you back to windowsland? Just curious about Linux
flaws/complaints.

Naikon · 28-10-2009 02:51PM

BopNiblets wrote: »

They already found linux mentioned in the Steam libraries as I understand it, but that was last year.

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=steam_confirmation&num=1

If it weren't for games I'd have no reason, my mam for example uses Mint just as well as Windows (still have to show her how to so stuff but no more than WIndows! )

I remeber that, but sadly I don't think Valve really give a s$it.
You would be wiser to invest in native Linux ports that already exist.

WINE is a hack, we need more native support. It's the likes of id software
and indies like 2D Boy(World of Goo) who deserve money. Not Valve.

Seems like Linux users aren't scabby freeloaders after all:
Link

Stark · 28-10-2009 03:04PM

Naikon wrote: »

I don't want to start a flamefest, but is this the only reason you
feel will send you back to windowsland? Just curious about Linux
flaws/complaints.

The start menu they introduced in Vista is nice too. Much nicer than KDE 4's menu which feels very flimsy to use. GNOME on the other hand is boring but robust (I keep trying KDE under Linux but always end up going back to GNOME).

Overall responsiveness is back on a par with Linux as well now which makes it a toss-up between using Windows 7 and using Ubuntu. I wouldn't ditch Linux but I wouldn't discount Windows 7's ability to compete.

Lu Tze · 28-10-2009 03:06PM

I remember trying Gentoox on the xbox, and it ran smooth and all, but couldn't figure out how to install software on it.

Perhaps a bad example, but i presume there is a lot of software is not available on the platform. I use autocad, don't know if they produce a linux version. If they don't i will never swap over (free alternative draughting tools cannot compete as far as i am concerned)

cable842 · 28-10-2009 03:28PM

your mother uses linux. that is so cool Im putting mint on a laptop and giving my mam one so she can look up her family tree

BopNiblets wrote: »

They already found linux mentioned in the Steam libraries as I understand it, but that was last year.

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=steam_confirmation&num=1

If it weren't for games I'd have no reason, my mam for example uses Mint just as well as Windows (still have to show her how to so stuff but no more than WIndows! )

cable842 · 28-10-2009 03:32PM

yea there is a free auto cad program with linux mint. never delved into auto cad maybe cause its free with linux it will give me a chance to give it a go

Lu Tze wrote: »

I remember trying Gentoox on the xbox, and it ran smooth and all, but couldn't figure out how to install software on it.

Perhaps a bad example, but i presume there is a lot of software is not available on the platform. I use autocad, don't know if they produce a linux version. If they don't i will never swap over (free alternative draughting tools cannot compete as far as i am concerned)

Lu Tze · 28-10-2009 03:40PM

cable842 wrote: »

yea there is a free auto cad program with linux mint. never delved into auto cad maybe cause its free with linux it will give me a chance to give it a go

The free tools are nowhere near as good. That is why most people will never switch. You may think AutoCAD, and indeed all AutoDESK products are a niche market, but most people use more there computers for word processing and browsing the internet.

Add up all those niche markets, like mine, graphic designers, musci and video production/editing (i am hazarding guessing here) and you will have a sizeable chunk of windows users, who simply will never switch until linux is supported, as a free tool will never have a comparable level of features, and more importantly for some, technical support.

That said i might try out mint, just to see if it is as good as implied by most posters here.

RoadKillTs · 28-10-2009 03:48PM

I see the open source brigade are out in full force

I think Linux is a great OS but it has a long way to go.

I've played around with a lot of distros everything from Mandrake (now Mandriva ) to Debian and I always go back to Windows.
It's either because of a game I can't install, some hardware that won't work or because of a program compatibility issue.

If someone uses Photoshop or Dreamweaver it's a joke to and tell them to use The Gimp and Nvu.
It's just not on the same par.

At the end of the day when I turn on my laptop I want it to work, I don't want to be trying to hack drivers, or looking for alternatives to programs that I have been using for years I just want it to work and until that changes I'll stick with Windows.

Eliot Rosewater · 28-10-2009 04:25PM

Lu Tze wrote: »

Add up all those niche markets, like mine, graphic designers, musci and video production/editing (i am hazarding guessing here) and you will have a sizeable chunk of windows users, who simply will never switch until linux is supported, as a free tool will never have a comparable level of features, and more importantly for some, technical support.

Theres a Linux slogan that goes: "if theres no such thing as fences and walls, you've no need for Gates and Windows." Even though it was probably an offhand joke its actually very true: the only reason I would ever use Windows is if there was a constraint on me, a metaphorical wall as such.

Trying to get my camcorder hooked up to Ubuntu was nothing less than a nightmare. Manually editing config files: first it worked then it didnt. Just gave up. Theres simply no comparison to the plug and play in Windows. So if I have to edit videos I use XP, otherwise its Ubuntu all the way.

The Autocad discussion is interesting (as someone who studied it in college I can see why it cant be replaced) because Mathematica a gigantic program used for Mathematics that can even whip up programs can by run on Windows, Mac OS and Linux. I am led to believe though that it was first written for Mac OS so maybe having it for Linux was easier?

RoadKillTs wrote: »

I think Linux is a great OS but it has a long way to go.

Depends on your definition of where the OS should go. At the moment its perfect from me for web browsing and development and office stuff and a bit of programming. My camcorders the only caveat.

For a gamer its obviously unsuitable.

cable842 · 28-10-2009 05:06PM

linux mint is amazin its so good. I love it. runs fast easy to use. very multi media have every program you could ever want. easy to install and you can dual boot linux mint and windows together if you want and no viruses to worry about.

Lu Tze wrote: »

The free tools are nowhere near as good. That is why most people will never switch. You may think AutoCAD, and indeed all AutoDESK products are a niche market, but most people use more there computers for word processing and browsing the internet.

Add up all those niche markets, like mine, graphic designers, musci and video production/editing (i am hazarding guessing here) and you will have a sizeable chunk of windows users, who simply will never switch until linux is supported, as a free tool will never have a comparable level of features, and more importantly for some, technical support.

That said i might try out mint, just to see if it is as good as implied by most posters here.

PogMoThoin · 28-10-2009 05:28PM

Eliot Rosewater wrote: »

Trying to get my camcorder hooked up to Ubuntu was nothing less than a nightmare. Manually editing config files: first it worked then it didnt. Just gave up. Theres simply no comparison to the plug and play in Windows. So if I have to edit videos I use XP, otherwise its Ubuntu all the way.

You bought the wrong camcorder, just like I bought the wrong webcam which Creative won't release the source code for, I can get it working but its loads of hassle. Its down to the manufacturer to support linux, pick wisely and You'll have no bother at all

docentore · 28-10-2009 11:26PM

The whole discussion is worthless. If you want and if you can use Linux or Win, it is completely up to you.
I'm using mint myself, but have to use Win in my job (printing and stuff - mostly for testing drivers etc).

I tried to make my gf to use Mint, no joy, she told me that she has to have everything like on her job pc. But when I was building pc for my parents I installed Kubuntu for them, later on I changed that to Mint. I was afraid that my father will be looking for nude pictures and stuff (all know what I mean) and pc will be full of crap in short time. I didn't have to do anything with their pc since installation day, just changed the distros (over 2 years).

But it is up to everyone's taste and will. Even guy on the picture has XP on one of his pc's along with few distros of L.

bSlick · 29-10-2009 06:56PM

Can someone tell me why windows games and apps like photoshop, autocad, etc.. can't just be compiled for linux too?

duffman85 · 29-10-2009 07:12PM

bSlick wrote: »

Can someone tell me why windows games and apps like photoshop, autocad, etc.. can't just be compiled for linux too?

When they are writing the code they use windows specific application programming interfaces(APIs). These are like toolboxes for making programs and games.

Developer use the DirectX(made by Microsoft) API to create games. The Win32 API is used to create programs that have the look and feel of Windows.

Similarly we can't use the Mac version of Photoshop even though OS X is Unix based as the libraries/APIs it uses like Cocoa,Carbon,etc. are only available on OS X.

At least that's how I understand it. Maybe someone who knows more can explain it better.

EvilMonkey · 29-10-2009 07:34PM

bSlick wrote: »

Can someone tell me why windows games and apps like photoshop, autocad, etc.. can't just be compiled for linux too?

Because the companies that own the source code don't want to, either because as duffman85 says they use windows specific code or the companies have made a decision not to release Linux versions.

micosavo · 03-11-2009 08:01PM

I had switched to Fedora 11 whilst waiting to see what all the fuss was about with Windows 7.

It installed like a dream on my Work HP 8510w workstation, no drivers or configuration required for anything. It even found my finger-print reader and added an ICON to the login screen...sweet. I was so delighted, I wiped my Vista box and went with Fedora on that one.

I thought it would be a large headache due to the fact that I have a very high-end machine (Intel Core i7, 12GB DDR3RAM, ATI Radeon 4870x2 x2, 2 Raptors, 2 Caviars, 2 Blu-ray drives).

All was perfect. I had one issue during install where I had to remove one graphics card. It seems the ATI drivers aren't quite up to spec for linux to support CrossFire, but that ain't Linux's fault.

Fedora found my 1TB RAID mirror, saw all my drives, automatically mounted old NTFS drives that were attached. All my daily stuff such as firefox, Skype, Picasa, MSN (Pidgin), VLC, XMMS, PS3 Streaming Server just worked like a dream. I was extremely happy with how much control I could have over the OS as compared to Windows. I work with Solaris10 with my job, and do admire certain aspects of its flexibility such as mounting driver as one folder (I know windows does this also, I can admire it though, can't I?!)

What I wasn't prepared for was Windows 7. It is fast, very fast. I was getting up to 118Mb's transfer between my data drive and boot drive. To sum up windows 7...well, it just works. I don't think about it anymore, it just does what I need it to do.

For an all-in-one OS, neither fits the bill.

I use Fedora 11 now, until i want to do some specific multimedia stuff, or want to play games in which case I switch to windows. There are just some programs that work far better in each OS.

If we could get a hybrid OS, with Winux (Windows/Linux) API's...with the software/driver support of windows and the rock-solid stability, flexibility and security of linux, then that would just take the cake...

For the moment, it looks like dual-boot is the king

alter200 · 04-11-2009 02:58AM

micosavo wrote: »

I use Fedora 11 now, until i want to do some specific multimedia stuff, or want to play games in which case I switch to windows. There are just some programs that work far better in each OS.

If we could get a hybrid OS, with Winux (Windows/Linux) API's...with the software/driver support of windows and the rock-solid stability, flexibility and security of linux, then that would just take the cake...

For the moment, it looks like dual-boot is the king

Have you considered virtualisation rather than dual-booting?

cable842 · 05-11-2009 11:39AM

how come my battery lasts longer with windows 7 and its halfed with LInux Mint ?

Stark · 05-11-2009 11:43AM

I dunno. Have you tried Linux Mint? It's amazing.

Is Linux Mint Better Then Windows 7 I think so do you agree ?

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