Linux "Dependency ****"

[bjr]

I've read some about "Dependency ****" when tryin' to install programs in Linux and I reaching out to some experienced users to tell me if it's as bad as it seems. I mean it sounds like a convoluted intertwined mess to get/meet all the requirements (dependent programs) to get a program up and running in a Linux distro. I was leaning toward "Mint". I'm probably considered elderly and probably have a "low patience threshold". I would just like to be able to browse the Internet (YouTube) and have some Productivity programs like "Office". Am I just being a silly Ol' TXXD thinking I could EVER figure out Linux?

 

[Budweiser John]

Uh. My off the cuff suggestion, ask your kids or grand kids.

B. John

 

[saxnbees]

I have been using Ubuntu for many years. Long ago, things were a mess but in recent years, it has become extremely stable. Remember that something like 80% or more of the internet runs on Linux. Only end users have anything else these days. One shortcoming is that hardware manufacturers (printers, etc.) generally don't write device drivers for Linux. So, if you are thinking of going the Linux route, do some research to make sure your equipment will be compatible.

As far as dependencies go, that is generally taken care of as long as you use the supplied software for installing add-ons. The biggest issues come up when new releases come out. So, generally, I use the Long Term releases that are good for at least a couple of years and don't apply a major update until the new release has been out for 6 months or more. On my system, I get prompted for patches almost every day but you decide whether to install them now or later. And those patches seldom if ever cause any problem. It is unlike Windows 10 where you are forced to sit and wait for updates often at the most inopportune time. And with Linux, the patches are applied while you continue to work. Most patches don't even require a restart.

And there are lots of choices for free software for Linux. There is probably something available for almost any category you can think of.

As far as Office goes, Ubuntu comes with the Libre Office suite. It is not 100% compatible with Windows software, but it is pretty close and close enough for me.

Also remember that Microsoft will soon go to a subscription basis so you will need to pay annual subscriptions to get updates.

I have heard good things about Mint but have never tried it myself. I see no need to experiment when I am happy with what I currently have.

 

[saxnbees]

One suggestion is to install a trial version on a thumb drive or DVD disc. They can be booted from there and run without altering your current Windows setup. Then, if you like it, you can install Linux in a different partition (pretty automatic these days) and choose which one to boot when you start your computer.

5 Ways To Try Out and Install Ubuntu On Your Computer

 

[marchanna]

I think for someone new to Linux, Ubuntu is the best way to go. There’s a huge support community and it has an easy to use UI.

I’ve been using it for years, and all my kids use it too. Plus it runs relatively lightweight, so it tends to breath new life into older computers. That being said, if you have a really old computer, lubuntu (a variant or flavour of Ubuntu) runs even lighter.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Yes, lots of web servers use it, but thats all those servers do.

 

[the old grind]

Does your distro include 'Synaptic' package manger? Do everything through there if so, call it the one app you need to add if not. Start by looking for upgrades to the Linux ver, etc first, then for each app in descending order of importance. (usually browser upgrades cause us Linux no-experts probs)

I recommend Mint 17 or higher if you need all the bells and whistles. (more than games, photoshop, office ..) 19 is being sorted out. I'm using Peppermint 9 on older single-core laptops, and only had to add a wireless network search program to the light and fast setup. (VAIO 1.6GHz Centrino, 1.5Gb DDR2)

You don't need to be a Linux expert, but it helps to have some experience. I'm proof, and you're welcome to PM me for anything I can offer. t o g

 

[saxnbees]

I installed LXDE as a front end because I didn't like all of the bells and whistles and was slow on my PC. It is quite similar to what windows looked like in the olden days.

 

[ericm979]

I dislike the window manager that comes with Ubuntu. I replace it with xfce. Other than that it's good.

I've been using (and sometimes developing for) some flavor of unix since 1986 and linux since kernel 1.2.something.

On linux modern package managers and packages make dependency heck pretty much a thing of the past. It can still be a problem if you install packages that are not part of the distro's package manager, or compile packages from source. Synaptic is better than the package manager app that comes on ubuntu.

 

[Arky217]

LINUX, the only way to go.

I've been using Linux for over 10 years.
When I started, it was with Linux Mint version 7.
Even back then, it was, in my opinion, much better than Windows.
And I mean Windows XP, which was one of the 'better' Windows versions.

For the last couple of years, I was using Peppermint.
Peppermint is very good; it's still my # 2 choice.
But I switched a few months ago to MX Linux.
MX has risen to the top of the Distrowatch chart (an indication of how
many times a Distro's web site has been accessed).

MX is now my daily driver; I think it edges out Peppermint and that's saying a lot.
MX is based on Debian stable and uses XFCE for its desktop environment.
It's rock solid and very configurable.
MX also has some fantastic tools such as a persistent live USB maker
and a tool to make your own personal iso image for installing a MX image
that is already configured to your own personal taste.

And FAST; did I mention that Linux is FASt.

Linux - 'Watching a movie on Netflix; no commercials'
Windows - 'Watching a movie on broadcast TV; 2 minutes of movie, then a 10 minute commercial'

Here's just a few of the other advantages that Linux has over Windows.

* No slowing down due to a fragmented hard drive
(You don't need to de-fragment a Linux hard drive at all)

* No slowing down or even stopping due to updates like Windows.
(You update when and what you want)

* No having to buy new software because your current software
is no longer compatible with a new version of Windows.
(If fact, all of Linux's software is FREE, even the operating system !)

* No need to purchase a new computer because your current one
won't run the latest version of Windows.

* No need for an anti-virus or anti-malware program.
(Linux is inherently more secure than Windows,
besides, probably 99% or more of viruses and malware
are written for Windows)

* Your privacy is top notch, especially compared to Windows.
(No hidden code to write home to Microsoft)

So, I recommend that you give Linux a shot; I think you will
be pleasantly surprised.

My choices would be, #1- MX Linux, #2 - Peppermint, #3 - Linux Lite, #4- Ubuntu Mate