jonnythan wrote: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.
