Suse Experience

I recently commited to using Suse Linux instead of Windows. The road has not been easy but it is getting easier.

Right off the bat I had problems with other Linux installs and that is why I choose Suse 10.1 as it installs very easily.

The next step is configuring your video driver which is a real pain. It took me numerous times before I was able to do this. Once you learn how to do it, it is easy.

Next if you want to run your old windows apps you will end up installing at least two different programs. One for games and another for applications. For games you will need cedega and for apps you will need crossover office. Both cost money. You can try using the free version of Wine but it just isn't as smooth and it could take you a lot of time configuring the app/game.


Next I to learn how to install applications and ran into a number of problems.

1. Apps don't ask where to install. They all just go to the default location. So you will run out of space. This is why you should just have 1 partition. This is from a linux guru. Otherwise customize how much space is being partitioned or you will run out. My Suse default install only set aside 20 gigs for apps and now I will most likely reinstall.

2. I had to learn how to install an RPM, not a big deal. I had to learn how to compile, make and make install so I could install non-compilied apps. Now that is a real pain because they require lots of other development software that you will need to install. Many times I had no idea which ones it wanted so I installed a whole bunch of development software until it worked. This means you will have lots of extra crap sitting on your system. You will also install tons of junk you don't need.

3. If you install apps manually by extracting and running, many times they don't work right because they aren't linked into the rest of the system. I still haven't totally figured this out and thus I removed a beta version of Firefox because it just doesn't work right without being linked in.

Sofware

There is a ton of software for linux and very good software but I have found that major apps such as Photoshop, Illustrator just don't work and there is no apps on linux yet that really work with their files. Inkscape will soon be able to import illustrator files and Pixel is working on importing photoshop so that will soon be resolved.

Flash is a huge problem and everyone is waiting on the beta of Flash 9.

Skype didn't work with my usb mic or a mic plugged in but the windows version worked under Wine. Go figure, this is the kind of shit that pisses me off about linux. The sound stutters though so it really isn't good for talking and playing games.


Hardware

I had problems with sound not working correctly with Alsa and OSS. Certain apps seem to be able to take total control and not give back control of the sound. Then I end up no being to hear sound in my browser or music player. I still haven't figured out what the problem is.

My 5 year old USB webcam just doesn't work very well and I had to install a newer driver. A new web cam would work much better so I will just upgrade here.


Conclusion

Linux is great but it has pretty steep learning curve. There are a number of changes coming down the road that will greatly improve the OS overall. I keep being able to figure out the problems I have and my system gets better and better.

I find I almost never have to reboot, and the whole system is very customizable. I will keep updating on my adventures here.