Linux: pros/cons, which kind?

[coolchinchilla]

I'm planning on buying a new pc (custom built). I was thinking
about going with Linux instead of having Windows installed. (and use
some free office product instead of microsoft's). My purpose is
partly to save money but mostly to avoid microsoft.

Currently I use Win98, Office97, FireFox & Thunderbird and I use
dialup. I use it only for personal purposes. I have medium
experience with computers (10+ years as an end-user only).

Could I adjust to a Linux product fairly easily? Which kind
(distribution) is the friendlinest or the most Windows-like? Are
there links that could help me decide? Is there a newsgroup or
forum where this question would be more appropriate?

Thanks in advance.
Linda and the zoo.

 

[Onno Tasler]

coolchinchilla scribebat:

Currently I use Win98, Office97, FireFox & Thunderbird and I use
dialup. I use it only for personal purposes.

All programs you need will be available on Linux. Firefox and Thunderbird
are cross-platform anyway, for Office you have the choice between K-Office
<http://www.kde.org/> and OpenOffice <http://www.openoffice.org/> (both
free software) and some commercial office suites. (Mail me if you want more
info on the commercial ones).

Could I adjust to a Linux product fairly easily?

That truly just depends on what you want to do with it. My main problem was
that I wasn't careful enough with my hardware and now have some stuff that
runs only under Windows. The biggest problem for me was the different ideas
on using the GUI (KDE, XFCE and GNOME) compared to Windows, so I would
suggest you get yourself a book about this from your public library for
introduction.

Which kind (distribution) is the friendlinest or the most Windows-like?

Any from the big ones, like Mandrake or SUSE. Yet, they also share one of
Windows' weaknesses: They litter your PC with tons of programs you probably
won't need...

A good first view into Linux is Knoppix, you can even keep that when you
like it (but remember to do the set-up stuff for hard disc usage).

Is there a newsgroup or forum where this question would be more appropriate?

There are plenty, here just some:
comp.os.linux.misc
comp.os.linux.answers
comp.os.linux.hardware (read this before you buy any components!)

Distribution specific:
alt.os.linux.mandrake
alt.os.linux.suse

 

[Dewey Edwards]

I'm planning on buying a new pc (custom built). I was thinking
about going with Linux instead of having Windows installed. (and use
some free office product instead of microsoft's). My purpose is
partly to save money but mostly to avoid microsoft.

[you mention dialup, later] Make sure the modem to be installed will
work with linux. http://www.linmodems.org/

Currently I use Win98, Office97, FireFox & Thunderbird and I use
dialup. I use it only for personal purposes. I have medium
experience with computers (10+ years as an end-user only).

Most likely you will do fine. Play with the different desktop
programs and stick with your favorite, and OpenOffice should nicely
replace Office97 for the average home user. Firefox and Thunderbird,
if not included in the install, are downloadable.

Unasked, but a related question - which flavor of linux to install?

Many different possible good answers from different users here. I'll
give you mine -- I like Mandrake, and I would NOT install Linspire
(aka Lindows).

 

[Mark Carter]

I'm planning on buying a new pc (custom built). I was thinking
about going with Linux instead of having Windows installed. (and use
some free office product instead of microsoft's). My purpose is
partly to save money but mostly to avoid microsoft.

Currently I use Win98, Office97, FireFox & Thunderbird and I use
dialup. I use it only for personal purposes.

Your safest bet is to buy a computer with XP Home. XP is a lot cheaper
when it comes with a new PC; so if you end up regretting not having it,
it will cost you much more money.

That doesn't stop you experimenting with Linux, though. I wouldn't
necessarily advise paying for a Linux distribution. Try downloading one
off the internet. Here, I think live CDs are really good. Knoppix is
excellent. Feather Linux might be even better for you, because it is a
small download. Both are Debian-based systems; which means that they can
be upgraded with simple commands.

Here's something to think about. Why not get broadband? It's much
better. Admittedly it costs more, but since I got broadband 6 months
ago, I would never look back. If you decide to go down the broadband
route, and seeings as you are going to buy a new computer anyway, then
why not think about an external modem instead of an internal one? That's
the easy way to Linux compatability. Don't buy a USB modem, though. You
may have incompatability problems. Fit an ethernet card (which are dirt
cheap) into your computer, and connect to the modem through that. The
modem, though, will be quite a bit more expensive than an internal
modem. Some ISP providers may provide the modem for nothing.

Also, if you're serious about wanting to run Linux, then don't get rid
of your old computer straight away. You will probably want to use it to
connect with the internet in case of difficulties.

Hardware compatability can still be problematical on Linux, although
thankfully the problems are gradually being ironed out. Slowwwwwly.
Modems are still a big black hole, though. The proper external ones are
usually much better because they don't need drivers. Only the ethernet
card needs a driver, for which compatability tends to be quite good.

Once installed and configured, I think that Linux is as easy to use as
Windows. The trick in the sentence is "once". IMO, installation,
configuration and hardware compatability is an area that Linux needs a
lot of work, especially for newbies. There's probably a bit too much
elitism in Linux; which is an attitude that I don't think is very
helpful.

 

[Mark Carter]

That doesn't stop you experimenting with Linux, though. I wouldn't
necessarily advise paying for a Linux distribution. Try downloading one
off the internet.

Actually, now that I think about it, a better bet for you would be to
order a distribution from a cheapo distributor. e.g. in UK:
http://www.uselinux.co.uk
Disks cost about £1.20 per Cd. Something like Mandrake comes on 4 disks.
There's P&P to go on top of that, but the expense really is minimal.

You could even try a Live CD on your current computer to see how you
like Linux.

 

[Michael]

I'm planning on buying a new pc (custom built). I was thinking
about going with Linux instead of having Windows installed. (and use
some free office product instead of microsoft's). My purpose is
partly to save money but mostly to avoid microsoft.

Currently I use Win98, Office97, FireFox & Thunderbird and I use
dialup. I use it only for personal purposes. I have medium
experience with computers (10+ years as an end-user only).

Could I adjust to a Linux product fairly easily? Which kind
(distribution) is the friendlinest or the most Windows-like? Are
there links that could help me decide? Is there a newsgroup or
forum where this question would be more appropriate?

Thanks in advance.
Linda and the zoo.

SAM is my favorite live linux http://sam.hipsurfer.com/

It is a smaller than some, but it has some good stuff.

 

[Conor]

I'm planning on buying a new pc (custom built). I was thinking
about going with Linux instead of having Windows installed. (and use
some free office product instead of microsoft's). My purpose is
partly to save money but mostly to avoid microsoft.

Currently I use Win98, Office97, FireFox & Thunderbird and I use
dialup. I use it only for personal purposes. I have medium
experience with computers (10+ years as an end-user only).

Could I adjust to a Linux product fairly easily? Which kind
(distribution) is the friendlinest or the most Windows-like? Are
there links that could help me decide? Is there a newsgroup or
forum where this question would be more appropriate?
[/QUOTE]
Easiest to use distros are SuSE and Mandrake.

The big issues are:

hardware
hardware
hardware

 

[Conor]

I'm planning on buying a new pc (custom built). I was thinking
about going with Linux instead of having Windows installed. (and use
some free office product instead of microsoft's). My purpose is
partly to save money but mostly to avoid microsoft.

Currently I use Win98, Office97, FireFox & Thunderbird and I use
dialup. I use it only for personal purposes. I have medium
experience with computers (10+ years as an end-user only).

Could I adjust to a Linux product fairly easily? Which kind
(distribution) is the friendlinest or the most Windows-like? Are
there links that could help me decide? Is there a newsgroup or
forum where this question would be more appropriate?
[/QUOTE]
Get SuSE or Mandrake BUT make sure you buy compatible hardware.
Motherboard chipsets are a non issue but you need a nVIDIA graphics card
for 3D as ATI driver support is shite. Also get an external modem that
connects via serial port as opposed to a USB or PCI one.

 

[badgolferman]

Which kind (distribution) is the friendlinest or the most
Windows-like?

For this reason alone you will not be happy with Linux. We have many
people here trying out Linux and after a few weeks wanting Windows back.
People want to hate Microsoft products, but the majority I know keep
coming back for various reasons.

If you really want to try out a different operating system, a dual boot
system may be a better idea. That way when you start finding Linux to
be lacking you can always boot into Windows and get something done.

 

[Bob Adkins]

I'm planning on buying a new pc (custom built). I was thinking
about going with Linux instead of having Windows installed. (and use
some free office product instead of microsoft's). My purpose is
partly to save money but mostly to avoid microsoft.

Currently I use Win98, Office97, FireFox & Thunderbird and I use
dialup. I use it only for personal purposes. I have medium
experience with computers (10+ years as an end-user only).

Could I adjust to a Linux product fairly easily? Which kind
(distribution) is the friendlinest or the most Windows-like? Are
there links that could help me decide? Is there a newsgroup or
forum where this question would be more appropriate?

Sounds like you should try Knoppix. It runs from CD, and doesn't mess with
your hard drive partitions. Practice a bit with Knoppix, and get a feel for
it. If you like it, you will probably like any Linux distro.

-- Bob

 

[mike ring]

I'm planning on buying a new pc (custom built). I was thinking
about going with Linux instead of having Windows installed. (and use
some free office product instead of microsoft's). My purpose is
partly to save money but mostly to avoid microsoft.

Currently I use Win98, Office97, FireFox & Thunderbird and I use
dialup. I use it only for personal purposes. I have medium
experience with computers (10+ years as an end-user only).

I think you'd be entering a world of pain.

I have a very similar setup, and when I goot a new computer a year or so
ago I stuck with 98SE, intending to move to linux.

It's cost a small fortune, and I haven't found one distro that runs
properly, or would be a patch on windows if it did.

The linux educational resources require a degree in idiomatic KLingon to
understand linux speak, and the newsgroups are a flaming hell.

I've given up - I suggest you do a clean install of 98SE, get 98lite and
eliminate the worst features of windows (you can download a trial file for
free to get a taste of the improvemnet - <OT warning> for 25 bucks you can
d/l the full version</OT> you can then continue to enjoy all the lovely
progs you find here, *and* not pay Bill any more money

mike

 

[Vrodok the Troll]

I think you'd be entering a world of pain.

I have a very similar setup, and when I goot a new computer a year or so
ago I stuck with 98SE, intending to move to linux.

It's cost a small fortune, and I haven't found one distro that runs
properly, or would be a patch on windows if it did.

I suggest you browse on over to http://tinyurl.com/67eoe. It's a pub ftp-site
in the Netherlands which appears to specialize in carrying iSOs of & for
"SimplyMEPIS" Linux. I tried 'SimplyMEPIS-2004.06.iso' (the most-recent rel,
apparently) a few hours ago, and if I were to install Linux, *this* WOULD be
The One : - )

Oh yes; that site was the *fastest* of perhaps a dozen I'd tried, searching for
that specific release.

 

[Conor]

I'm planning on buying a new pc (custom built). I was thinking
about going with Linux instead of having Windows installed. (and use
some free office product instead of microsoft's). My purpose is
partly to save money but mostly to avoid microsoft.

Currently I use Win98, Office97, FireFox & Thunderbird and I use
dialup. I use it only for personal purposes. I have medium
experience with computers (10+ years as an end-user only).

Could I adjust to a Linux product fairly easily? Which kind
(distribution) is the friendlinest or the most Windows-like? Are
there links that could help me decide? Is there a newsgroup or
forum where this question would be more appropriate?

Sounds like you should try Knoppix. It runs from CD, and doesn't mess with
your hard drive partitions. Practice a bit with Knoppix, and get a feel for
it. If you like it, you will probably like any Linux distro.
[/QUOTE]
IMO Knoppix menu entries are confusing for newbies. Fedora/Mandrake/SuSE
approach calling apps such as k3b CD Burning makes the transition
easier.

 

[mike ring]

I suggest you browse on over to http://tinyurl.com/67eoe. It's a pub
ftp-site in the Netherlands which appears to specialize in carrying
iSOs of & for "SimplyMEPIS" Linux. I tried 'SimplyMEPIS-2004.06.iso'
(the most-recent rel, apparently) a few hours ago, and if I were to
install Linux, *this* WOULD be The One : - )

Oh yes; that site was the *fastest* of perhaps a dozen I'd tried,
searching for that specific release.

I could try that, V, but I fergot to mention the other thing;
Coolchinchilla is on dialup, like me, and we simply can't download 500+
megabytes.

Even on broadband I'd worry about linux, as I hear there are transfer
limits of about a gig a month, which would seem to be inadequate to keep up
with linux.

mike

 

[mike ring]

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[Signpoet]

Sounds like you should try Knoppix.

Oh, hear my sad tale. I was playing with Knoppix on my W98 machine, was annoyed
that saved docs were lost on rebooting, configured the disk for linux file
system, and lost my Windows Operating System.
Had to format and reinstall W98, with all the attendant misery that entails.
So beware.

 

[James A. Smith]

Should have saved part of a partition for the Linux FS so you could use both
since you had to go through the trouble of a re-install anyway.

But most Linux Distros will let you re-size a partition for dual boot. Such
as Red Hat, Mandrake ect...

Just read up BEFORE you install so you don't kill your O/S again.

 

[Mike Andrade]

(e-mail address removed) (Signpoet) wrote in

Oh, hear my sad tale. I was playing with Knoppix on my W98
machine, was annoyed that saved docs were lost on rebooting,
configured the disk for linux file system, and lost my Windows
Operating System. Had to format and reinstall W98, with all the
attendant misery that entails. So beware.

Or simply "prepare."

 

[Chaos Master]

Conor wrote:

Get SuSE or Mandrake BUT make sure you buy compatible hardware.
Motherboard chipsets are a non issue but you need a nVIDIA graphics card
for 3D as ATI driver support is shite. Also get an external modem that
connects via serial port as opposed to a USB or PCI one.

Some winmodems can be easily configured...

I had one (the onboard modem on my system' motherboard) that was working
with Linux kernels 2.4.xx.

www.linmodems.org

[]s
--
Chaos Master®, posting from Canoas, Brazil - 29.55° S / 51.11° W

"Now: the 3-bit processor, with instructions:
1. NOP - does nothing, increase PC.
2. HLT - does nothing, doesn't increase PC
3. MMX - enter Pentium(r) emulation mode; increase PC
4. LCK - before MMX: NOP ; after MMX: executes F0 0F C7 C8
5. HCF - Halt and Catch Fire"

 

[Bob_M]

Oh, hear my sad tale. I was playing with Knoppix on my W98 machine, was annoyed
that saved docs were lost on rebooting, configured the disk for linux file
system, and lost my Windows Operating System.
Had to format and reinstall W98, with all the attendant misery that entails.
So beware.

FWIW: Most likely you just overwrote your boot record (loader) which
could have been repaired with numerous programs. OTOH you DID get a
cleaned up more organized W98 system from it!!!

All Linux(s) that I am aware of come with Lilo or Grub which all
multiple boot records so one can "keep" prior OS's alive and well
along with Linux and select at boot time which they wish to work with
for this session.