Why are Linux Applications So Unstable

Your description does suggest hardware issues. The fact that it runs WinXP just fine is a poor indicator as each use the hardware quite differently. For example, Linux is more sensitive to RAM issues. In you case, it's just as likely that you are using an outdated NVidia graphics driver or perhaps a driver not issued by NVidia. Just like under Windows, a driver not properly matched to the hardware will torpedo performance and introduce instability.

I've never seen K3B lock up a machine (locking up the entire machine is very definitely are hardware or resource usage issue; Linux applications themselves cannot crash the system). Widespread instability would be the same. If, however, it's only the X11 GUI, then it's possibly a hardware fault in the video card or issue between the driver configuration and the card (for example, if the amount of memory on the card is misconfigured in your X11 setup, or perhaps your card doesn't like NVidia's implementation of some of the acceleration feature under Linux). If you are not using NVidia's own drivers, or their most recent, download new ones.

As far as applications -- Linux is coming from the technical and server side of things. If you want application services, finite element analysis, genomic sequence analysis tools, cinema-grade 3D animation, etc. Linux is your puppy. If you are looking to run software from Martha Steware living to help you pick the right shade of mauve for your drapes... don't hold your breath (it's coming, just slowly).

Linux apps a comaparatively easy to write, so, if you have an itch why not simply write whatever you need. At the very least, find someone else that's interested and let them know what they should aim for.

Susie

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