remind me again

[rossi46]

..why I started this Linux thing?

I've spent since the end of December 05 learning to set up my Linux machine. So far I've managed to get it to play DVDs, rip and encode to MP3 and I've installed the Nvidia drivers.

Also, I've figured out how to unpack and compile source-code and install with RPMs.

BUT


I've not actually used my pc for anything, I've just spent all these weeks trying to get it configured. Now, after trying without success to install a database (dependency after dependency issues) for the last few nights - I'm ready to throw in the towel. I fully realise that it matters not a bit to anyone here whether I continue with Linux or not, but can someone please tell me that it gets better with time, or this is how it is...

[oz]

You've probably learned a great deal about Linux and about computers in general through your efforts, so all is not lost. Furthermore, keep in mind that most users that leave Linux and return to Windows wind up coming back, so don't be surprised if it happens to you, too.

In the interim, good luck with the OS of your choice.

ozar

[budman7]

Yes, it does get easier.
When I first started with Linux, I had no clue.
But thanks to a number of helpful members on this site I have gotten pretty good with Linux.
Now Iam more comfortable editing a config file in Linux than I am changing something in Windows.

[bidi]

Have you tried a different distribution yet? That might be your problem! Most people will not like their first distro, and might have more luck in another. I'm not a good example since I always end up coming back to Debian, which was my first distro, but I do tinker quick a bit with different distro.

[bryansmith]

Your dependency issue...have you tried using you package manager? It will make it alot easier (assuming it is dependency handling).

Stick with it. Once it is completely configured, you will have an awesome computer! .

Bryan

[Dapper Dan]

When I first started with Mandrake 8.2, I had NO help, except for Google. I can't tell you how many times in the beginning I said to myself that Linux just isn't worth it and wanted to quit. I stuck with it though, and slowly things started coming together and making sense. Now, the things I used to stumble over in the begiining, I can practically do with my eyes shut! Remember, anything worth while takes time. If you invest a little more patience into Linux and don't beat yourself up when you can't make something work, you will be richly rewarded by an OS where you are in control, instead of the OS maker. Good Luck, and let us know if we can help! That's what we do.

[Cabhan]

Yeah. I began with Red Hat 9, and OpenOffice didn't work. I had no word processor. As you might guess, I was back to Windows pretty quick.

But now, maybe 1.5 years later, I am perfectly at home in Linux, and FAR more proficient with computers for it.

The key to Linux is exploration. I've been through like 7 distros: I only found Gentoo a few months ago, and I'm finally thoroughly content with my distro. As bidi recommends, try a new distro! I've never been a huge fan of Mandriva's package manager: try SuSE, Debian, Gentoo, just play around until you find yourself at home.

It gets easier, trust me. These days, I struggle with the inefficiency of Windows for simple Linux problems.

[oosterhouse]

I started with linux just this year, and already I'm in arch and I have everything configured perfectly, and it's just so much fun to me. The challenges make it fun, and learning makes it fun also. If you don't think it's fun, you're welcome to go back to Windows, but I think it does get easier after using it and forcing yourself to learn.

[Dapper Dan]

oosterhouse makes a good point. You've come this far so why not comtinue to build upon what you've accomplished rather than throwing it all away? If you ever want to try Linux again then you'll have to start all over again. Better stay where you are and continue the course.

[fingal]

It really will get easier over time, you just need to give yourself some space to be a newbie and accept the ups and downs. Are you using a 'newbie friendly' distro?

We've all been there, and as others have said, at some point there's a reversal and you think, 'I'm there'. You find yourself answering questions you didn't think you knew the answer to (was that a sentence?)

Anyway, do you really want to be deprived of our company? I have another reason. Having technical skills makes you very very employable, and this is a great way to clock up those techie points. You can become a security guru. Read this article. Even I have better security than that at home!