New Linux Machines

[zscoundrel]

I started with Red Hat and then tried Mandrake, but they really cheesed 
me off with their Microsoft-type PR lies.  The package I spent good 
money for said that it was 486 compatible but the install locked up 
every time. 

The install docs said that I could download a binary install image, but 
after re-installing the old software and getting online, I discovered 
that the web page listed could not be found.  When I called tech 
support, they told me that they had decided NOT to compile a 486 
compatible install and that I would have to upgrade my PC.  They even 
refused to give me a refund because I had opened the shrink wrap before 
determining if the software would fit my needs.  I am STILL trying to 
figure out how I could do this since they LIED on the box and the in the 
install documentation.

Since the idea of upgrading the hardware just to meet the needs of 
poorly compiled software sounded like the the whole 'doze/intel cartel 
all over AND it ran counter the whole idea of putting Linux on an older 
pc for learning about Linux, I threw the software away and have refused 
to ever have anything to do with Mandrake ever again.   (And, of course, 
I could not afford a new $1200 PC at the time!)

They seem to be almost as bad as microsoft with version-inflation.  
That's where they bump the high order version number every time they 
release a bug fix.  It just smacks of the microsoft less is more 
philosophy.  (Less real improvement in each release equals more profit 
on the balance sheet!)

I know this sounds harsh, but I went back to Red Hat and STILL use that 
same machine for a file server and test platform for software upgrades.  
It still runs the latest release of Red Hat and it is totally Miscrosoft 
and Mandrake free!  I have never had a support problem that I couldn't 
resolve through the Red Hat support network or customer support.

Robert Kennedy wrote:

>> From: Jim Herrmann <b3d at kc.rr.com>
> 
>> Subject: New Linux Machines
>> 
>> I have a friend that has an opportunity to get a new
>> computer, who has no windows experience.  Therefore,
>> since there is no"re"learning curve, I thought I    
>> would try to steer them to Linux.  They are open to 
>> the idea of Linux, 
> 
> 
> snipped part about the system & Mandrake 8.x
> 
>> So, I hope that gives a pretty good idea of what I'm
>> looking for. Please discuss this on the list, as    
>> there are probably others on the list that would
> 
> like > to hear this discussion.
> 
>> Peace,
>> Jim Herrmann
> 
> 
> Jim,
> 
> I'm all ears to hear this discussion. However, I'd
> like to add one perameter. In the < a year I've been
> using Linux, I've never seen a real discussion of what
> distro is the best / easiest for a total newbie. Now
> from serfing and mostly lurking on this list, I think
> I've decided that Mandrake & Suse are the ones that
> Joe Average might be able to use out of the box. Suse
> seems to be more in the public eye. I mean I can
> usually find it at Best Buy and other mainstream
> stores, but I sometimes see Mandrake, too.
> 
> I'm thinking of going from my current Red Hat 7 to the
> new Suse. I need to know what might happen if I do.
> How would my individual users spaces change, for
> instance. Would a lot of reconfig be needed?
> 
> Any info would be greatly appreciated.
> 
>                Best,
> 
>                       Bob Kennedy
> 
> 
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> 

-- 
At 20, I was liberal, because I had nothing to lose and so much to gain.
by 40, I was conservative, because I had so much to lose and so little to gain.
Isn't it amazing what 20 years of hard work and experience will do for ones' point of view?