Roy <linuxcanuck@gmail.com> wrote:
[snip]
> I am testing out Mint 9 now. My biggest concerns do far: no licenses to
> agree to for restricted software, the panel is at the bottom and not top,
> I dislike the slab menu and unlike Kubuntu there is no right-click change
> to classic style available, no KDE version at same time as GNOME version
> (second class status?) and it comes with Mono. I am sure that I will find
> more to dislike.
(1) The website explains the difference in the versions. Have a look at
http://www.linuxmint.com/download.phpfter If, after reading the various
options, you choose to download one that infringes the laws of your country,
then surely it is your decision.
(2) Not true. Click with RIGHT mouse button on the panel. Go to
Properties/Orientation and make your choice.
(3) Not true. Click on panel with RIGHT mouse button. Choose Add to
panel. Scroll down until you see Main Menu. Highlight it and click Add.
Click on the Menu (the slab menu you heartily disklike) and choose Remove
from panel.
(4) With, I think that with only 4 developers, you are expecting miracles
for all the versions (Gnome, KDE. LXDE, FluBox, XFCE) to be released on the
same day. The KDE version was released a couple of days ago.
(5) With regards to MONO, I agree with you. However, I understand that it
can be uninstalled - but I'm not clever enough to do that without messing up
my system.
> For the most part, it is the same as Ubuntu. On mine it is even has Ubuntu
> Software Centre, but it could be called that because I have my old GNOME
> settings from a previous Ubuntu installation. I did not notice before I
> installed.
(6) Yep. You should have deleted the old Gnome settings! So, not a valid
criticism of Mint.
>On the positive side, it came with the GIMP and there was no
> Evolution which I don't use so why install it. It comes with a couple of
> frills such as Ndiswrapper, but I don't use wireless on this machine so it
> is wasted on me. Likewise with Mint Nanny. My youngest child is 21 so
> putting it on by default seems silly. The Backup Tool is too basic for my
> use. AptonCD is a good tool, but seems out of place on a default
> installation and a waste of bandwidth. Gufw is a good idea. Ubuntu comes
> with Ufw, but having a GUI is good for most users. It did not come with a
> partition manager or the ability to make a usb key distribution which I
> use a lot. It does come with get-deb repositories listed. You just need to
> enable them by checking a box. That is positive.
(7) Remember, Mint is aimed at those who want an easy transition from
Windows. The choice of software is determined by that fact. True, they
don't always get it right and I, too, have issues with some of the choices.
However, it is so simple to uninstall what you don't want and install what
you do, isn't it!
>
> My concerns about Mint playing loosey goosey with the law on the issue of
> licenses still bothers me as an open source advocate. There is a
> difference between open source and proprietary and that line should be
> defined. However annoying EULAs are to some people they serve a purpose.
> Score a big one for Ubuntu with me on that one.
(8) See my remarks at (1) above. I do wonder, though, whether Ubuntu
chooses to display a EULA is because it feels that Windows users feel more
comfortable when installing, as it is something they expect to see!
> Also a bit disturbing is the panel on the bottom. This pays homage to
> Windows since GNOME's traditional place is at the top. The fact that it
> can only be moved by creating a new one and deleting the bottom one
> suggests that most users are stuck with it at the bottom since adding to
> the new panel must be done manually. This is a real nuisance for a
> hardcore GNOME user who is used to it at the top and something that
> newbies are likely to have trouble changing. If you want to run Avant
> Window Navigator then having the panel at the bottom is crazy. As for slab
> menus, I hate them, even in KDE.
(9) See my remarks at (2) above.
> So, I find Mint lacking in many ways and an interesting but not
> revolutionary departure from Ubuntu. For someone like me, there is no
> reason to run Mint over Ubuntu and many reasons to stick with Kubuntu as
> my main OS.
Mint is not perfect by any means but having tried openSuse, Mepis, Puppy,
Ubuntu, PcLinuxOS, Sabayon, Pardus. GoboLinux, Slax, Sidux, Mandriva, Arch,
Fedora, and Vector, it is my distribution of choice.
I came to Linux four years ago, after using RISC OS for over fifteen years.
At that time I was bordering on 75 years young and wanted a challenge. I've
never regretted the change!
And my last bit of advice. Download the Official User Guide for Mint. It
is full of useful information.
Regards from New Zealand on a very, very wet Wednesday morning.
Zed
--
zed
A continuously immaculate house is the sign of a misspent life.
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