I really, really want to like Linux. But it’s just not likable. Because it’s just not usable! Case in point: I downloaded and installed the latest version of the Xandros Desktop distribution. I actually got further than I did with the Ubuntu cluster-f of April, in that Xandros recognized my Ethernet card, grabbed a DHCP-assigned NAT address from my router, and got onto the Internet without me having to futz around.
But here’s the thing: anytime I try to do ANYTHING to a Linux installation that requires even a small bit of customization, everything goes down the toilet.
Like I said, Xandros came up and I got on the Internet, but the screen resolution was 1024x768x16 bit. I have a Dell 20″ widescreen LCD with a native resolution of 1680×1050. Running at any other resolutions looks crappy. So like a good geek, I tried to change the color depth and resolution in the Xandros control panel.
I pulled the slider till it read “1680×1050″. The system prompted me to logout/login. I did. And when it came back up, it was STILL 1024×768. And get this: the slider actually read “1680×1050.” Criminy…
So, I figured “driver problem.” I browsed over to the nVidia site, found the Linux drivers, downloaded them, and attempted to follow the install directions. Only here’s the other thing: the instructions quite unhelpfully omit the fact that YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO STOP THE X SERVER. I only found that out when I read an “alternate” set of instructions that were buried deep within the nVidia support site.
Here’s the coup de grace: I don’t know how to shut down the X server while still logged in as root, find the install package, run it, and get back to the graphical desktop.
Why oh why don’t Linux developers understand that driver and application installs should just work? I shouldn’t have to jump through hoops. I just want my monitor to work at it’s native resolution. Is that too much to ask?
