Re: Linux gaming on low end PC's?
By: Vorlon to Mortar M. on Wed Apr 02 2025 09:41:10

I've installed Linux Mint on mum's pc, and the only anoyance is the canon printer driver can't see how much ink is left.

That's why I haven't switched to Linux or BSD as my daily driver. Dispite what the fanboys tell you, there's still a lot of incompatibility or even absence of drivers for various hardware. I have a Canon flatbed scanner from the 2010s (I think) and there are no linux/BSD drivers for it, nor will SANE work with it.

What I'll probably end up doing is use Win10+VirtualBox when I need the scanner, which isn't often, but enough to need it.
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Re: Linux gaming on low end PC's?
By: Nightfox to Vorlon on Tue Apr 01 2025 17:17:57

...Microsoft would only be getting paid for a Windows License...

MS has always been in bed with various hardware companies. Back in the '90s it was all about the licensing, as you mention. PC makers had to pony-up for the "privilege" to have Windows pre-installed, or face bankrupsy as Windows was, virtually, the only game in town. A few tried to buck the system by offereing Linux systems, but by then, all the public knew about was "Windows", so they ended up caving.

Today, withe the inclusion of Co-Pilot, MS is pressuring PC makers to include special AI-enhanced chipsets into their machines, believing that consumers will fall in love with AI. Personally, I have my doubts, based on what I've seen and read.

I've heard sales of Windows isn't Microsoft's biggest income generator... I've heard Microsoft makes a lot more money from data services, hosted applications (Office 360, etc.), and other business-related things.

Quite right, and has been that way for years. In an intervew with Steve Ballmer (the previous CEO), he admitted that vary fact, which didn't sit well with home consumers.
--- SBBSecho 3.24-Linux
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Hi Mortar.

On Wednesday April 02 2025, Mortar M. said to Vorlon:

I've installed Linux Mint on mum's pc, and the only anoyance is the
canon printer driver can't see how much ink is left.

What I'll probably end up doing is use Win10+VirtualBox when I need the scanner, which isn't often, but enough to need it.

Just use the old machine with no internet connection and things will be
fine.


\/orlon
aka
Stephen

Rocking FSXnet with an Amiga 4000 and Zeus BBS.

--- Zeus BBS 1.5
* Origin: -:-- Dragon's Lair --:- dragon.vk3heg.net Prt: 6800 (21:1/196.0)

That's why I haven't switched to Linux or BSD as my daily driver.
Dispite what the fanboys tell you, there's still a lot of
incompatibility or even absence of drivers for various hardware. I have
a Canon flatbed scanner from the 2010s (I think) and there are no linux/BSD drivers for it, nor will SANE work with it.

I wouldn't listen to anyone's "fanboys" if they are going to be deceptive.

Conversely, having worked in linux for going on more than a decade now, I can say the list of mainstream hardware that doesn't work has gotten a lot shorter. I'm sure there is a lot of specialty equipment that still won't play nice (like some industry software we have to accomodate for our customers.And
there is a lot that is more minimal.

Linux as a whole isn't an OS catered to the ultra-convenience users any more than Windows is aimed at the artsy-types or OSX is focused on serious business environments and gaming. And neither Windows nor OSX seem interested in giving their users any more control over their devices than absolutely demanded by the market.

The beautiful part is everyone has a choice and I won't begrudge anyone theirs. I only hope they are fully informed going in and make their decision with an eye to the future vs the conveniences of today.

--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A48 (Windows/32)
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