First off let me say that if this gets too big and noone replies to it within a day or so the just remove it from the server.


Since I have been using linux I have noticed a predominate amount of linux users that have a problem with X. At first I thought that it was because X was hard to use or a hassle to setup. (this is starting back when RH 5.2 was out) THen I installed my RH5.2 and started X To my amazement X was pretty dull. And lets face it, most of us "new" linux users want power, games, and stability. Along with just having a free OS. So Linux was put on hold for me for a while. Then I went out and baught Mandrake 7.2 I had decided that no matter what I was going to use LInux. I was all ready for the hassle of setting up X and trying to get it to look half decent, then when it was all done installing to my amazement, X worked perfectly (in fact it worked better than the graphics on my Windows Installment.)

Dont get me wrong, I do beleive that a "true" linux user should know how to use and maintaine a system from command line but to fully use everything LInux has to offer it is sometimes neccesary to use X.

I had a boss at one of my jobs that swore he was a real linux type person. Then I found out he also used a MAC to do most of his work and ran X all the time with VMWARE running windows and a mac emulator.


What I'm trying to say I guess is this. Linux users are like old grumpy people *(me encluded )* When something comes along that we arent use to we tend to get offensive, we much prefer the old way (command line) But many users that have tried X have found that it isnt that bad. And for the "newbies" that want to make webpages, graphics, play games, and just fool around. Dont you think sticking them in front of a command line is kind of like selling your color tv for a black and white with only two channels?

So let X be. If you don't like it you don't have to use it. But don't tell new users to get rid of it. Most manuals today are written assuming you have X installed.


Well I'm done rambling now.