New Linux User

[techguy84]

Well, I looked into other distro's but for me, I am coming from Windows and I dont want to mess with the command line a whole heck of a lot as I am not even the slightest fimilar at the moment with it. I am learning, that is for sure, but its a big change from the streamlined things in Windows.

Examples = I could list a ton, but any New or expierence use knows what I am talking about. The simple matter is that until linux has a good crowed and its worthwile for companies, its still rough for the basic end user.

The fact that 99% of the time you must compile your own programs because of how varied out all the different linux distros are. With Windows, the API has pretty much been the same for the past 3 iterations of windows so there is a lot of cross compatibilty. With linux, no one distro is the same and you must install dependencies right and left to make apps compile, and then function properly.

If there was a set guideline to each distrobution that would create rules for what should be automattically installed, it would be eaiser for the end user, but then there would be tons of bloated linux installs and then other people would suffer.

Anyhow, I could be entirely wrong, but I got Beryl going finally without errors, but I am back on windows for the time being since I cant get a snes emulator to compile so I can play me some Zelda,,,, Sigh.

[sesmar]

Originally Posted by techguy84

The fact that 99% of the time you must compile your own programs because of how varied out all the different linux distros are. With Windows, the API has pretty much been the same for the past 3 iterations of windows so there is a lot of cross compatibilty. With linux, no one distro is the same and you must install dependencies right and left to make apps compile, and then function properly.

If there was a set guideline to each distrobution that would create rules for what should be automattically installed, it would be eaiser for the end user, but then there would be tons of bloated linux installs and then other people would suffer.

Anyhow, I could be entirely wrong, but I got Beryl going finally without errors, but I am back on windows for the time being since I cant get a snes emulator to compile so I can play me some Zelda,,,, Sigh.

That is what I love so much about Gentoo, everything is compiled from source in the beginning. Using their portage system with emerge you can install thousands of apps from source with custom use flags and it will install all the dependencies as well. You want a SNES emulator, both ZSnes and snes9x are in portage for Gentoo. Now, it might take longer in order to install some programs since you are compiling from source but it is worth it to me. I know you said you are a beginner but with Gentoo's live CD installer it is just as easy to install as any other distro; however, if you really want to learn something about your system do a stage 3 install following handbook it is well worth the time it takes.

[Angelox]

Sesmar's making me want to try out Gentoo - I use Mandriva and usually get things running (sooner or later).
I have most the emulators running - one great emulator is called "Mednafen" if you can get that compiled, it runs things like TX16, NES, Gameboy, etc.
http://mednafen.sourceforge.net/

here's some places I use when I search for RPMS;

http://dir.filewatcher.com/packages-directory.html

http://rpm.pbone.net/

[techguy84]

however, if you really want to learn something about your system do a stage 3 install following handbook it is well worth the time it takes.

Hehehe, I laughed when I read this. This is the kinda stuff that makes me cry when I see it. Like all the little readmes bundeld with various linux sources for programs I use. Things like

"If you get errors your missing the gogogadgetlib.tar.gz.rpm.deb.qvc.rst.abc Stupid Noob go download it"

What the hell is a gogogadgetlib and where do I get it. Futhermore gogogadeget doest have a front end and the --help or -help. or --OMG commands only show me a bunch of stuff that makes me spend 9 more hours on a website forums using the search button because I am too scared to acutally post something.

It boils down to the fact that I am a hardware techguy, not a software techguy. I get dumbfounded quick when it comes down to anything that is naked and in the fetal posistion and I must compile it.

"Error 103adb34951230 - This is mostly do to the fact that you have abolutly no idea what your doing. Go back to Windows"

Of course this is somewhat of a dramatization, but you kinda see what I mean.

Anyhow, I am going to take a look at gentoo and see what its all about. Wish me luck.