8 ms·

Here's my anecdata after recently attempting to move permanently from Windows to Linux Mint: * No logitech mouse support = severely disabled experience. I can

by cozuya 10y ago

Here's my anecdata after recently attempting to move permanently from Windows to Linux Mint: * No logitech mouse support = severely disabled experience. I can't use any of the extra mouse buttons in the way I want on my Performance MX. And yes I did spend several hours trying to get it to work but it seems that the button mapping works only for keyboard commands and even that I couldn't make work. And never could make the mouse wheel move at what I consider to be fast enough. Very frustrating. * While it supposedly exists, I could not make f.lux work. This essentially prevents me from using my computer at all at night. * The ridiculous amount of times I have to type in my password (and use sudo) is really user unfriendly. Yes I'm sure there's way to disable this or even use root but the average non developer user is going to be hugely turned off by this. * Node is really, really good on Mint. A full stack MERN/gulp application took 10 seconds(!) to yarn. On windows it would take 2-3 minutes. And chrome just seems much faster for dev. While working on a multiplayer game with 5 windows open (MultiLogin) all of which are connected to livereload, it is about twice as fast for reloads vs windows and a bit faster than macos/macbook pro. Gulp itself takes about 20 seconds to start up on windows the first time is instant here. So in the end there's just no way I'm going to use Mint for every day use i.e. websurfing and of course gaming. I'll switch to it when I want to do serious heads-down dev.. maybe. To be honest the fact that its a bit faster for node probably won't be a good enough incentive to go through the hassle of setting up a dual boot.

libeclipse 10y ago
I use Arch Linux and I haven't faced any of the problems you mention. I don't game so this might be slightly skewed, but there's not a single thing on Windows that would tempt me into using it. Also the sudo point I completely disagree with. It comes down to security or convenience, and it's a damned shame that people pick convenience.
- Skunkleton 10y ago
  Further, if you are doing a bunch of administrative tasks from the CLI, sudo will keep you authenticated. If you really want, you could even open up a root shell. I think the real problem is that the Right Way(tm) to do things is completely non obvious to a linux novice. Looking back on my times starting out with linux (ubuntu 6.06), I remember a lot of similar frustrations. Really, there is no middle ground, you are either a novice or an expert, and bridging that gap is super challenging. The only real useful advice I ever received was to 1) learn the CLI, and don't assume that it is antiquated, 2) use linux for real tasks, don't just follow tutorials, and 3) If something isn't working the way you want it to, there is probably a way to change it. Hopefully the author will use his frustrations as a learning experience, rather than a reason to leave the platform. The linux community could use more people like him.
  - eitland 10y ago
    > If you really want, you could even open up a root shell. For those new to Linux: this can be done as simple as "sudo su -". More details here: http://askubuntu.com/questions/376199/sudo-su-vs-sudo-i-vs-sudo-bin-bash-when-does-it-matter-which-is-used http://askubuntu.com/questions/376199/sudo-su-vs-sudo-i-vs-s... That said, -in my book using root except for updates is often a sign that someone misunderstood or that something is misconfigured or something.
    - gdamjan1 10y ago
      > sudo su - sudo -i
  - gdamjan1 10y ago
    > Really, there is no middle ground, you are either a novice or an expert, and bridging that gap is super challenging. I think it's easier now. Also, the "expert" level on windows… it's mindbogling complex.
    - libeclipse 10y ago
      Windows has an intermediate level though. The average consumer never gets past novice.
  - jodrellblank 10y ago
    I think the real problem is that the Right Way(tm) to do things is completely non obvious to a linux novice. I can't see Unicode characters properly over SSH, because it claims my locale is "POSIX". I'd like to fix it the right way, is it: http://askubuntu.com/questions/162391/how-do-i-fix-my-locale-issue http://askubuntu.com/questions/162391/how-do-i-fix-my-locale... - locale-gen; dpkg-reconfigure locales, with 293 upvotes and 96 "didn't work for me" - setting the environment variables in /etc/environment, with 225 upvotes - setting them in /etc/default/locale, with 70 upvotes - exporting them from .bashrc on a per-user basis, with 70 upvotes - editing ssh_config and removing the option to SendEnv, with 53 upvotes - Install the language-pack-en-base, 23 upvotes - exporting environment variables from /etc/bash.bashrc, on a system-wide basis, 9 upvotes - exporting them from /etc/profile or .bash_profile, for 6 upvotes OR http://askubuntu.com/questions/770309/cannot-permanently-change-locale-on-16-04-server http://askubuntu.com/questions/770309/cannot-permanently-cha... - localectl set-locale, from systemd OR http://serverfault.com/questions/626346/ssh-locale-wrong http://serverfault.com/questions/626346/ssh-locale-wrong - UsePAM directive in sshd_config, which turns on Pluggable Authentication Modules and in a sneaky and ridiculous rider, also turns on 'session module processing for all authentication types', and disable locale setting if you disable PAM OR https://serverfault.com/questions/475925/how-to-fix-putty-showing-garbled-characters/475930 https://serverfault.com/questions/475925/how-to-fix-putty-sh... - change /etc/pam.d to make the pam_lsass.so 'optional' instead of 'sufficient' How many of those are 'obvious' to an expert?
hnxy 10y ago
>While it supposedly exists, I could not make f.lux work. This essentially prevents me from using my computer at all at night. I'd recommend using redshift instead (http://jonls.dk/redshift/ http://jonls.dk/redshift/). It's free software and does basically the same thing as f.lux.
- mixmastamyk 10y ago
  sudo apt-get install redshift-gtk
willtim 10y ago
Sudo timeouts can be changed:http://lifehacker.com/make-sudo-sessions-last-longer-in-linux-1221545774 http://lifehacker.com/make-sudo-sessions-last-longer-in-linu... Hardware support can be a genuine issue. The fault lies with Logictech in this case. If I was an arrogant Linux-head, I'd probably say that your time is better spent configuring i3/emacs/vim than getting their latest shiny toy working.
- ashark 10y ago
  You can also edit the sudoers file to give your user passwordless sudo. So you still have to explicitly sudo for admin access (unlike, say, just logging in as the root user) but don't have to type your password. Granted, that's not n00b friendly or anything, but it is a pretty quick solution and you only have to do it once. Just make sure you have a real root login and/or use visudo to perform the edits to avoid accidentally locking yourself out of admin access if you screw up the syntax.
mechaxl 10y ago
I use https://github.com/jonls/redshift https://github.com/jonls/redshift on Linux instead of f.lux. Installing with "sudo apt install redshift-gtk" should get desktop integration (I don't run Mint, but it works great on stock Ubuntu).
- jablan 10y ago
  Just installed it. Just 213k to download!
deleted 10y ago
[deleted]
softwarelimits 10y ago
You should understand that it is a decision about your and our all freedom. A few missing features and annoyances are a good price to pay for freedom.
- retro64 10y ago
  Wow – why the downvotes? I agree 100%. You do need to make a real choice and sacrifice when it comes to open source. You will not have commercial support like Windows or a Mac. Depending on what you do, even your future career and job opportunities may be impacted by this choice. And at least we have a choice, thanks to the thousands of faceless individuals who have contributed to make it possible.
macco 10y ago
For developers I would strongly advice to use Antergos or Manjaro (imo the better option). They are both based on Arch Linux. With them you can experience the power of the Arch package manager and the aur. The whole installation process would just be one line. The same if you want to install, VSCode, Atom, Android Studio, etc. For developers Arch is the best operating system since sliced bread.
syshum 10y ago
>>> No logitech mouse support Make sure you support vendors that support linux, I have no logitech devices in my home for this reason. >>>While it supposedly exists, I could not make f.lux work. Redshift, much better >>> The ridiculous amount of times I have to type in my password (and use sudo) is really user unfriendly. You should only have to type the password if you are attempting to access a area outside of the users control, this should be limited to administrative functions like installing software, or changing system wide settings. Sounds like you have a configuration issue or at attempting to do things that SHOULD be locked down and SHOULD require elevation and are complaining because linux is more secure than windows One of the reasons windows is terrible at security is because every time they attempt to add security they give people a simple "click yes" way to bypass it rendering it useless
unethical_ban 10y ago
You shouldn't have to type in sudo for gaming or web browsing. And yes, to disable it (though not recommended, since you're only using sudo when it's admin access) you can add the text NOPASSWD to a portion of a config file. There's a reason sudo exists. Superuser-do. It keeps automated malware and other bad things from happening without authorization. redshift-gtk does what flux does.

by cozuya 10y ago

libeclipse 10y ago

I use Arch Linux and I haven't faced any of the problems you mention. I don't game so this might be slightly skewed, but there's not a single thing on Windows that would tempt me into using it. Also the sudo point I completely disagree with. It comes down to security or convenience, and it's a damned shame that people pick convenience.

Skunkleton 10y ago
Further, if you are doing a bunch of administrative tasks from the CLI, sudo will keep you authenticated. If you really want, you could even open up a root shell. I think the real problem is that the Right Way(tm) to do things is completely non obvious to a linux novice. Looking back on my times starting out with linux (ubuntu 6.06), I remember a lot of similar frustrations. Really, there is no middle ground, you are either a novice or an expert, and bridging that gap is super challenging. The only real useful advice I ever received was to 1) learn the CLI, and don't assume that it is antiquated, 2) use linux for real tasks, don't just follow tutorials, and 3) If something isn't working the way you want it to, there is probably a way to change it. Hopefully the author will use his frustrations as a learning experience, rather than a reason to leave the platform. The linux community could use more people like him.
- eitland 10y ago
  > If you really want, you could even open up a root shell. For those new to Linux: this can be done as simple as "sudo su -". More details here: http://askubuntu.com/questions/376199/sudo-su-vs-sudo-i-vs-sudo-bin-bash-when-does-it-matter-which-is-used http://askubuntu.com/questions/376199/sudo-su-vs-sudo-i-vs-s... That said, -in my book using root except for updates is often a sign that someone misunderstood or that something is misconfigured or something.
  - gdamjan1 10y ago
    > sudo su - sudo -i
- gdamjan1 10y ago
  > Really, there is no middle ground, you are either a novice or an expert, and bridging that gap is super challenging. I think it's easier now. Also, the "expert" level on windows… it's mindbogling complex.
  - libeclipse 10y ago
    Windows has an intermediate level though. The average consumer never gets past novice.
- jodrellblank 10y ago
  I think the real problem is that the Right Way(tm) to do things is completely non obvious to a linux novice. I can't see Unicode characters properly over SSH, because it claims my locale is "POSIX". I'd like to fix it the right way, is it: http://askubuntu.com/questions/162391/how-do-i-fix-my-locale-issue http://askubuntu.com/questions/162391/how-do-i-fix-my-locale... - locale-gen; dpkg-reconfigure locales, with 293 upvotes and 96 "didn't work for me" - setting the environment variables in /etc/environment, with 225 upvotes - setting them in /etc/default/locale, with 70 upvotes - exporting them from .bashrc on a per-user basis, with 70 upvotes - editing ssh_config and removing the option to SendEnv, with 53 upvotes - Install the language-pack-en-base, 23 upvotes - exporting environment variables from /etc/bash.bashrc, on a system-wide basis, 9 upvotes - exporting them from /etc/profile or .bash_profile, for 6 upvotes OR http://askubuntu.com/questions/770309/cannot-permanently-change-locale-on-16-04-server http://askubuntu.com/questions/770309/cannot-permanently-cha... - localectl set-locale, from systemd OR http://serverfault.com/questions/626346/ssh-locale-wrong http://serverfault.com/questions/626346/ssh-locale-wrong - UsePAM directive in sshd_config, which turns on Pluggable Authentication Modules and in a sneaky and ridiculous rider, also turns on 'session module processing for all authentication types', and disable locale setting if you disable PAM OR https://serverfault.com/questions/475925/how-to-fix-putty-showing-garbled-characters/475930 https://serverfault.com/questions/475925/how-to-fix-putty-sh... - change /etc/pam.d to make the pam_lsass.so 'optional' instead of 'sufficient' How many of those are 'obvious' to an expert?

hnxy 10y ago

>While it supposedly exists, I could not make f.lux work. This essentially prevents me from using my computer at all at night. I'd recommend using redshift instead (http://jonls.dk/redshift/ http://jonls.dk/redshift/). It's free software and does basically the same thing as f.lux.

mixmastamyk 10y ago
sudo apt-get install redshift-gtk

willtim 10y ago

Sudo timeouts can be changed:http://lifehacker.com/make-sudo-sessions-last-longer-in-linux-1221545774 http://lifehacker.com/make-sudo-sessions-last-longer-in-linu... Hardware support can be a genuine issue. The fault lies with Logictech in this case. If I was an arrogant Linux-head, I'd probably say that your time is better spent configuring i3/emacs/vim than getting their latest shiny toy working.

ashark 10y ago
You can also edit the sudoers file to give your user passwordless sudo. So you still have to explicitly sudo for admin access (unlike, say, just logging in as the root user) but don't have to type your password. Granted, that's not n00b friendly or anything, but it is a pretty quick solution and you only have to do it once. Just make sure you have a real root login and/or use visudo to perform the edits to avoid accidentally locking yourself out of admin access if you screw up the syntax.

mechaxl 10y ago

I use https://github.com/jonls/redshift https://github.com/jonls/redshift on Linux instead of f.lux. Installing with "sudo apt install redshift-gtk" should get desktop integration (I don't run Mint, but it works great on stock Ubuntu).

jablan 10y ago
Just installed it. Just 213k to download!

deleted 10y ago

[deleted]

softwarelimits 10y ago

You should understand that it is a decision about your and our all freedom. A few missing features and annoyances are a good price to pay for freedom.

retro64 10y ago
Wow – why the downvotes? I agree 100%. You do need to make a real choice and sacrifice when it comes to open source. You will not have commercial support like Windows or a Mac. Depending on what you do, even your future career and job opportunities may be impacted by this choice. And at least we have a choice, thanks to the thousands of faceless individuals who have contributed to make it possible.

macco 10y ago

For developers I would strongly advice to use Antergos or Manjaro (imo the better option). They are both based on Arch Linux. With them you can experience the power of the Arch package manager and the aur. The whole installation process would just be one line. The same if you want to install, VSCode, Atom, Android Studio, etc. For developers Arch is the best operating system since sliced bread.

syshum 10y ago

>>> No logitech mouse support Make sure you support vendors that support linux, I have no logitech devices in my home for this reason. >>>While it supposedly exists, I could not make f.lux work. Redshift, much better >>> The ridiculous amount of times I have to type in my password (and use sudo) is really user unfriendly. You should only have to type the password if you are attempting to access a area outside of the users control, this should be limited to administrative functions like installing software, or changing system wide settings. Sounds like you have a configuration issue or at attempting to do things that SHOULD be locked down and SHOULD require elevation and are complaining because linux is more secure than windows One of the reasons windows is terrible at security is because every time they attempt to add security they give people a simple "click yes" way to bypass it rendering it useless

unethical_ban 10y ago

You shouldn't have to type in sudo for gaming or web browsing. And yes, to disable it (though not recommended, since you're only using sudo when it's admin access) you can add the text NOPASSWD to a portion of a config file. There's a reason sudo exists. Superuser-do. It keeps automated malware and other bad things from happening without authorization. redshift-gtk does what flux does.