PCLinuxOS

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lamchopz

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#25827 2-Sep-2008 20:01

Hi,

I am a full time Windows user but also a part time Linux goer.

I have tried many distros, including the popular Ubuntu, but also came back to PCLinuxOS in the end. I couldn't come to terms with Ubuntu because I didn't like GNOME.

I am planning to switch to Linux as soon as it is ready for my computing needs. I currently have PCLOS installed but don't use it that much, just keeping it there as a way to recover my important files when Windows goes crazy.

A few things that stop me from hopping to Linux full time include lack of support for Shockwave player (it's Adobe's problem, I know) and font rendering (two things that I can come up with).

My question is: are you using PCLinuxOS and what is your impression? As I haven't tried any new distros for 2 years, are there any other distros that I should take a gander at? I've been checking distrowatch.com and there are too many, I can't try them all.

Cheers,

^^

Maximus

33 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 4

#161695 2-Sep-2008 21:40

Hi lampchopz, I haven´t tried PClinuxOS. I use Ubuntu and I actually prefer Gnome to KDE. Kubuntu comes with KDE as default desktop, however, you can also install KDE onto Ubuntu...just incase that was the only reason you prefer PClinuxOS.
Cheers

MackinNZ

450 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 119

Lifetime subscriber

#161706 2-Sep-2008 23:03

I know Ubuntu is the "in vogue" distro at the moment but I'm a big fan of Mandriva. I'm running 2008.0 PowerPack 64 bit at the moment on and will definitely look closely at 2009.0 which is due to be released shortly.

I don't know about Shockwave but Flash is supported in 2008.0 and the font rendering is pretty darn good IMHO and gets better with every release.

PCLinuxOS has its roots in Mandrake which became Mandriva so you'll probably find a lot in common. And of course you have your choice of KDE, Gnome or any of numerous other Window Managers.

lamchopz

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#164981 17-Sep-2008 00:58

Thanks guys, :D

I know Flash is supported but occasionally, I need Shockwave. My Physiology Tutorial CD uses Shockwave, for example.

@maximus: yes, I tried Kubuntu and did not like it.

@MackinNZ: I also tried Mandriva Linux Spring (free edition) and loved it but its major drawback is the extremely slow updates. If memory serves, only the commercial version gets a fast update server.

Right now, I am just waiting for PCLOS with KDE 4 to be released. Obviously it will take a while since the new desktop environment itself is not stable yet.

MackinNZ

450 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 119

Lifetime subscriber

#165006 17-Sep-2008 08:28

@MackinNZ: I also tried Mandriva Linux Spring (free edition) and loved it but its major drawback is the extremely slow updates. If memory serves, only the commercial version gets a fast update server.

That's not been my experience. I've used the free and paid-for versions of Mandrake/Mandriva for several years and have always found the same mirrors available to all. It's true there are some slower ones, I've noticed the Aussie Mirrors seem to be very slow for example, but I've been using ftp.proxad.net for some time now and always found it very fast.

There are heaps of Mandriva Mirrors available for updates. Check out Easy URPMI for a list of the mirrors.

38894

80 posts

Master Geek

#165982 21-Sep-2008 12:18

PCLinuxOS is IMHO one of the better distros out there, especially for new/newer users, I think I'd be inclined to agree with a comment made above however and recommend Mandriva more than PCLinuxOS.

I personally use Kubuntu 8.04 and I haven't actually used the Windows Vista installation on my computer (Other than when I NEED to write a program in Visual Studio) for over a year now. Day to day use is always Kubuntu, I have it skinned and themed to be more attractive, I've spent some time figuring out the best ways to streamline it and make it as stripped out as possible rather than fully loaded as it comes by default.

Once upon a time I was a hard core Gentoo user and wouldn't use anything else (To the extent I still use a Gentoo Wallpaper) but just don't have the time to keep fixing it lately.

So in short then, I'd highly recommend Kubuntu if you're willing to spend a little time setting it up in the first place, you'll benefit in the long term, but at the same time I'm more than happy to recommend Mandriva and PCLinuxOS if they're your preferred distros.

lamchopz

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#166926 25-Sep-2008 03:28

Thanks. :)

I'm waiting for a distro that officially uses KDE 4.x (apart from openSUSE). Kubuntu seems to be still using KDE 3.5 (they do have the option to update to v4 but I'd rather see it as the default environment, which will be in the Intrepid release).

Lego

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blakamin

4431 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1306
Inactive user

#167129 25-Sep-2008 18:02

I'm actually running Intrepid on this laptop (not Kubuntu tho)... Dumped Vista for Hardy about 4 months ago then upgraded at alpha6.
Absolutely brilliant!
A beta should be available by the the end of this week if you want to try it.