Computer questions and solutions....thereof...

[jonnythan]

Let's summarize:

Unless you buy a machine preloaded with Linux that includes an OEM-only version of a commercial Linux DVD player application, you can't play DVDs.

It's relatively easy, with direction, to install the software that lets you illegally watch DVDs, but most distributions don't include it "for legal reasons."

Lost of people don't have hardware issues, so let's not even talk about it! Despite the fact that an experienced Linux and BSD user right here in this thread couldn't get sound or quality graphics without resorting to compiling drivers and editing configuration files on standard, commodity hardware with a current version of the "main" Linux desktop distro.

I think I covered the main points.

[Skier]

My computer tastes like chocolate.

[MrShake]

Let's summarize:

Unless you buy a machine preloaded with Linux that includes an OEM-only version of a commercial Linux DVD player application, you can't play DVDs.

It's relatively easy, with direction, to install the software that lets you illegally watch DVDs, but most distributions don't include it "for legal reasons."

Lost of people don't have hardware issues, so let's not even talk about it! Despite the fact that an experienced Linux and BSD user right here in this thread couldn't get sound or quality graphics without resorting to compiling drivers and editing configuration files on standard, commodity hardware with a current version of the "main" Linux desktop distro.

I think I covered the main points.

Man, you don't see the forest for the trees......

I'll try one more time... and then I will just give up. My point has been made.. its a choice, and people should try it, not be close minded and base their decisions on fud.... but anyway...

The legality of DVD software is a more complicated point than you want to make....
1. The Software isn't illegal.... the use of the libraries is restricted
2. Within the next month, there will be at least 1 available completely unrestricted, (as you would put it) legal dvd library available called linDVD
3. Lots of things are restricted, and yet many still use them... MP3 playback is restricted by patents, and many windows based players violate those restrictions. There are battles to fight, and this is not the one.

Lets not base your argument on the idea that 1 piece of software (an OS that does not make) that violates regulations or possibly laws. We all know windows users are notorious for piracy. That self same activity is almost (read almost) unheard of in the linux community.

Its not RELATIVELY easy to install... its BLATANTLY EASY. Check a box man.. it gets no easier.

And.. the point that REALLY doesn't come across to you is that your situation is unique and doesn't encompass all of linux. Your SOUND issues with a non-standard pc install do not mean that everyone, or even most, will have problems with their sound. The same as my Blackberry issues do not mean that everyone will have problems with their blackberry. The point being is that Windows or Linux, people have hardware issues, from sound, to printing, to network file shares, to new processors, to ram, to video cards, to anything. The way you get around this is by being a smart consumer...

1. Buy a product that is ready out of the box. Let the OEMs get everything running and POOF, off you go
2. Do some research and find what hardware will match your software and work. This includes OS, very true, but it could also include webcam software, surveillance software, video editing, DVR software, and yes... even DVD software.

You keep reiterating the same point with the same tired arguments, while completely ignoring the truth. Its a choice.. and a smart consumer deserves that choice and will nothing, if benefit from that choice and the act of trying and looking at other options.

If you want to argue about Linux vs Windows, lets move it to another topic, or a more private mode of conversation. We are not serving the community by arguing and definitely not by making blanket, unfounded statements.

[blues2cruise]

My computer tastes like chocolate.

Mine is more like vanilla bean.

[blues2cruise]

OK, guys. Can we agree to disagree and move on?

[jonnythan]

making blanket, unfounded statements.

You keep accusing me of that, but that doesn't make it true.

Not one comment I've made so far in this thread is untrue or unfounded, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't keep accusing me of lying.

It's rude, and it's wrong.

[JC Viper]

I have Vista. I'm currently in the process of downgrading to XP SP2. Vista is not ready for release yet. They really shouldn't have switched so soon, now there are a lot of problems, and it's quite a memory hog.

Microsoft is powerful and Bill Gates hates us...

Aside from being a memory hog...I heard it's not compatible to a great many programs.
The XPSP2 is what I am using. If I keep up with the maintenance it keeps working smoothly.

I run both Vista Basic (MacBook) and Vista Home Premium on my main desktop along with Win XP. To be honest I didn't notice too much of a difference in performance.

I actually run plenty of old programs on both Vista versions (the original GTA on the MacBook, Calculus Text Book CD on both and guitar programs written for Win 9x) and they all run just fine. I got rid of the UAC dialog by disabling them and the RAM usage is just for prefetching to launch programs faster while accessing the HD less (great for battery life).

Mac OSX Leopard is just as "wasteful" with RAM as Vista is so I don't see how OSX is better. In fact I couldn't run a lot of the programs for OS X because leopard doesn't do classic environment anymore which means I had to start using Vista in order to use those programs (made for both OS).

I also have gOS (Linux) and Ubuntu on other HD drives but rarely touch them.

[MrShake]

My biggest question is.....

You tasted your computer? that thought never occurred to me

[JC Viper]

My biggest question is.....

You tasted your computer? that thought never occurred to me

I dunno about the other person but I got tempted to lick my glossy white MacBook because it looked so smooth and sleek... I actually have the urge to right now... I mean I can always clean it right?

[Johnj]

I think a few of us need to touch the monkey.