Need a cheap opperating system

beetplek

I have given my neighbour a pc and a usb dongle so he can use my wireless internet connection, but his pc will onlt start up in safe mode. Tried everything i can think of to get it working so i can install the software, but cant. Whats the cheapest way to get a new opperating system for the pc?

DCFC79

beetplek wrote: »

I have given my neighbour a pc and a usb dongle so he can use my wireless internet connection, but his pc will onlt start up in safe mode. Tried everything i can think of to get it working so i can install the software, but cant. Whats the cheapest way to get a new opperating system for the pc?

ubuntu is totally free,

isofa

Any number of the free distrbutions of Linux... such as Ubuntu.

beetplek

Thanks for that, but having just bought a new net book myself there is no way i want to have a pc with linux again. I`m sure its superb, but i cant install anything on it. I need windows xp as I know how to use that and could solve any problems he might have.

fwor

beetplek wrote: »

I`m sure its superb, but i cant install anything on it.

I can't believe that anyone would find it difficult to install stuff under Ubuntu.

How difficult can it be to go to Applications, Add/Remove, tick the apps you want and click OK? If that doesn't work on your net book then someone installed the OS wrong.

DCFC79

beetplek wrote: »

Thanks for that, but having just bought a new net book myself there is no way i want to have a pc with linux again. I`m sure its superb, but i cant install anything on it. I need windows xp as I know how to use that and could solve any problems he might have.

what was it you couldnt install

DatabaseError

fwor wrote: »

I can't believe that anyone would find it difficult to install stuff under Ubuntu. .

I found it hard! I gave up on wireless when i discovered i needed a windows driver, and a wrapper, and.......

probably just need an hour or 2 with someone who knows what they are doing to get me started, but i can't see farcry 2 coming out on any penguin loving OSs anytime soon, so I'll leave it

DCFC79

Theres only certain wireless network devices which work with linux or they're not widespread as ones compatible with windows

jasonwatkins

linux mint is also something that is very easy to install applications on since they've added the software repository - click on the 'install now' button and that's all you need.

patman99

Ubuntu is NOT a beginners Linux, more an advanced Linux. Speaking with 7 years experiance using various distros, the best one for beginners is 'PCLinux OS'. It behaves very much like window$.
Wireless networking can be a problem, but there is a linux hardware database available which tells you which wifi dongles work & how to set them up.

I know the OP had used a netbook, but these are a far from ideal way to experience linux as most will not let you install extra software.

Before anyone asks, I use a PC & a laptop, both of which run XP H/e & PCLinux OS.

patman99

Farcry on a linux box?, sorry, but Crysis made a linux version available for download a month after the Windows version (it runs 3-5 fps faster & uses the same install cd for all the maps and stuff). You still need the windos CD to install maps & sound effects etc.