+ - Linux Desktop: Business Desktop BAD, Consumer Desktop TERRIBLE 2
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mourngrym1969
mourngrym1969 writes "Not a scoop, but a discussion. I hate Windows, but like everyone else, use it every day. Tried (again, time number six over the last 15 years), to run linux exclusively for both work and home use. I even allowed myself the installation of VMWare Workstation and was willing to run some essentials in Windows 7 VM through Unity. But after two weeks, I am booted over to Windows again. Why? Drivers, printing, TV on my PC, NETFLIX, Visio, Adobe software (not flash), VMWare Workstation Stability, NVidia Drivers, Multimonitor support (rotation), composite desktop, etc, etc, etc... Why have we not been able to get our act together and get a usable linux desktop (working 'well' on one monitor is not sufficient)?"
I made the switch a few years back ... (Score:3)
In the category of anecdotal evidence ...
Drivers, printing
I've had very good luck with both HP (mainly inkjet) and Brother (laserjet) printers.
TV on my PC
I don't have "TV in" (no cable, no satellite, no antenna) ... but playing videos is trivial. VLC works -- and I use mplayer. If you're looking for a package deal, Myth-TV seems to be a good bundle. If you have some weirdo card, I can't help you with that.
NETFLIX
I had heard that they went with some proprietary, Windows only technology. Good to know, I'll continue to avoid them.
Visio
Stating the obvious, did you try WINE? Failing that, VirtualBox [virtualbox.org]? I've tried Dia, and at this point, it's no substitute for Visio.
Adobe software (not flash)
The problem has always been trying to get 3rd parties to move their software suite onto a platform when they don't see the ROI.
VMWare Workstation Stability
I won't pretend that VirtualBox is better, but I've had reasonable luck with it.
NVidia Drivers, Multimonitor support (rotation),
I'm running the open source nouveau drivers (Fedora 16, KDE) and the devices out on my laptop show: LVDS-1, DVI-I-1, eDP-1, and HDMI-1. For each one I'm seeing Size (I select auto), Refresh, Orientation (90, 180, 270, mirror horizontal, mirror vertical), and position. To be fair, I've only used LVDS-1 and DVI-I at the same time. I haven't connected the other two.
Grant it, I'm not playing 3rd person shooter games with the system.
composite desktop
Haven't tried it, but it isn't important to me either.
Re: (Score:1)