Much as I hate Microsoft Windows, I have to admit that if you just want a computer that works, Windows is the best choice. If you don't mind climbing up a steep learning curve and spending hours playing around with the computer trying to get everything to work, then Linux is the way to go.
I use Ubuntu Linux on a computer that is dedicated to email and web surfing. By keeping my Windows machine (that has all my important stuff on it) not connected to the Internet, I don't have to worry about viruses. I would like to be able to use the modem on the Linux machine as a backup for when my Internet access fails (which happens on a fairly regular basis). But, despite reading through all the help files and spending several hours on it, I have never been able to get the modem to work. It works fine under Windows on the same computer (dual-boot Windows and Lunux). Took me about 5 minutes to activate it. When I first installed Ubuntu, everything else worked fine. But after one of the updates, the sound quit working. I Googled the problem, found a couple of helpful troubleshooting information sites, and spent several hours trying various things but was never able to get it working again. Also, I use a KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) switch between the two computers. Ubuntu worked fine with it at first, but after one of the updates I now have to completely boot up with the KVM switched to that computer or it hangs up. And again, a couple hours of troubleshooting did not cure the problem. No doubt, given enough self-study and hours of messing around I could eventually solve those problems. But frankly I have better things to do. Computers are not a hobby for me. I don't enjoy messing with them. I just want something that works. So I hold my nose and use Windows. Al N1AL ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
