Moving to Linux

I switched to Ubuntu back in 2008 and then moved to the Xubuntu variation in 2012 when Ubuntu changed their gui to be more tablet focused. It's funny you mentioned a Canon flatbed scanner. I had to do a little extra work to get my Canon 9000 working under Xubuntu 14.04. Under the newer 16.04 release, it just works.

I can't say I've missed Windows at all.

dryfly wrote:
... My question is: have any of you moved to Linux and regretted it? ...

No, I haven't moved to Linux and don't regret that decision.

About the only real use I have for Linux is that it runs better on low powered machines (like a Raspberry Pi). Since my main computers have powerful processors and plenty of RAM, I'd rather continue to use Windows.

dryfly wrote:

My question is: have any of you moved to Linux and regretted it?

About 2006 or 2008 I made the decision to try to live with a Linux desktop. I'd been on Linux since 1996, but I'd never tried to make the desktop work.

It hasn't been easy. Like you, drivers can be an issue. I've chosen some hardware because its Linux friendly - like Brother printers for example.

I do have a dual-boot system since there are still two or three programs that just work better on Windows.

But, no, I've not regretted it.
About 6 or 7 years ago, I switched to Debian/Ubuntu. And I'm running MATE on 14.04LTS.

I am running Ubuntu 14.04 LTS for about 1.5 years on a $40 120GB SSD Easy to swap drives if I want to go back to Windows. It works well for quick starting and browsing. LibreOffice works well, except for encrypted MS Office files.

I just downloaded a Linux Distro specific for my other hobby.. Now to find a computer that can run it (This one can but the number of "Hoops" I need to jump through is excessive)

There is also the "25 dollar Spare Computer" you can try, it's a USB dongle that holds a Linux Distro on it.. Plug it in wherever you wish,, Most computers will boot if told to do so off the USB port.. alas, this one won't, it insists on WINDOWS only Good old Microsoft always looking out for us ()@Q#($#!U@)@!

RoyB wrote:
I was able to get my 2009 MS OFFICE to work on the faster WIN 10 machines... Did not subscribe to any of the things they wanted me to do... Also don't mess with anything CLOUD haha... So far so good. It screams real good for me... I use Chrome and FIREFOX for browsers... My screens all look like WIN7/WIN8.1

Folks that visit always says I thought you updated to WIN 10 haha...

I syill have my EMAIL program on my older M90 Dell laptop...

The only thing I miss is my drawing programs... Havent figured out a good cheap way to establish all of my drawing files yet. I was living with ADOBE PRO 9 and a couple of on-line free drawing programs... They did not work on the WIN10 platform... They still work on my DELL M90 much slower laptop right now so not totally dead in the water... My AUTOCAD belonged to work so didn't get to keep that when I retired...

Roy Ken

Well, I gotta admit I've got Win 10 running on 3 machines and I've had a lot of little problems but nothing I could not overcome.

My interest in Linux stems from Microsoft's intrusiveness. Even though I've gone through and turned off all privacy issues, they still have too much control over my machines. Maybe I'm just paranoid but I can see this going a lot further in the future, along with forcing you to have features you do not want.

Also, there is the cost issue. I change components out frequently and now I've got Win 10 tied to one motherboard. AND, everyday a new security issue pops up. And the list goes on.

I haven't felt in control since DOS...............

I was able to get my 2009 MS OFFICE to work on the faster WIN 10 machines... Did not subscribe to any of the things they wanted me to do... Also don't mess with anything CLOUD haha... So far so good. It screams real good for me... I use Chrome and FIREFOX for browsers... My screens all look like WIN7/WIN8.1

Folks that visit always says I thought you updated to WIN 10 haha...

I syill have my EMAIL program on my older M90 Dell laptop...

The only thing I miss is my drawing programs... Havent figured out a good cheap way to establish all of my drawing files yet. I was living with ADOBE PRO 9 and a couple of on-line free drawing programs... They did not work on the WIN10 platform... They still work on my DELL M90 much slower laptop right now so not totally dead in the water... My AUTOCAD belonged to work so didn't get to keep that when I retired...

Roy Ken

Sounds like Linux is a good fit in your case. Though likely not a good choice for those who rely heavily on mainstream Windows based applications. Hardware drivers may also be more limited?

I use my Linux box, along side both Windows and Mac pretty much every day at work. All networked together. I do have a GUI installed on my distro of Linux, though mostly default to command line as it saves multiple steps with just a line or two. Actually, my favorite Linux workflow.

You might try the Cinnamon desktop for Mint, it's well done and quite popular.

I think I will take another look at Mint. I have it already on a DVD that I can play around with before loading. There are so many distros out there it's hard to make a choice but Ubuntu and Mint seem to keep coming up as the two easiest for beginners.

As far as MS Office, I use it a lot but don't have any large, densely formatted files. I've been using Office Libre for while and feel like I can make it work. It will just take a little time sifting through other programs I use.