Netbook operating system query

glyn_s

I'm going to get a netbook soon but i don't know which operating system to go for - XP or Linux - boot-up time is important to me and i'd appreciate any help -

how long does XP take to boot up on a netbook when anti-virus is installed (is it a 'lite' version of XP?) I've heard that boot-up time on a Linux netwook is about 15 seconds, is that right? and i've also heard that anti-virus isn't neceassry on Linux machines because there aren't any Linux viruses in the wild (i wonder how long that will last) - so any help would be appreciated - thanks

superscaper

Depends on the netbook's hardware.

It's not a lite version of XP, but you don't need to have every component of XP installed.

You heard wrong, there are Linux exploits. And also viruses can take advantage of what's running on the operating system not just the operating system itself. Speaking from personal experience, last week we found one of our linux servers infected with a trojan after having been hacked (interesting to note Linux servers are hacked far far more than Windows servers).

timbim_2

But Linux servers are by far cheaper, so you can almost afford to allocate time to clearing them up if they get anything!

superscaper

timbim wrote: »

But Linux servers are by far cheaper, so you can almost afford to allocate time to clearing them up if they get anything!

Oh yeah completely worth losing critical information, customers' financial details etc (not that we have but it could have happened on that one quite easily). :rolleyes:

And actually I've yet to see them cheaper. Certainly far far more expensive in total cost of ownership. At least within the companies I've heard of. In fact within our company we're migrating everything from linux servers to windows servers because that side of things has not only been far less hassle, it's been cheaper and far more productive. And less risky.

timbim_2

Fair enough. I know for certain that many companies, like Bloxx, take a variant of linux, then modify that and use it as a server platform for their branded web filtering. Has to be said though, linux looks set to make a move on the home market. As they say, you can't argue with free software!

glyn_s

Interesting comments but can anyone tell me about thebootup times please? Help appreciated please.

timbim_2

Linux should always beat windows off the mark. Always.

superscaper

timbim wrote: »

Linux should always beat windows off the mark. Always.

Again it really completely depends on the specifics and without that you can't give a specific answer without generalising and when generalising the only thing that's "always" is you're always wrong. You could easily cherry pick two netbooks where the windows one booted quicker. And vice versa. The only fair way to give an answer to the OP is for them to ask which specific models to compare between. I've seen a computer system (installed myself) boot far quicker and more stabler with Win 98 than with the latest Ubuntu.

[Deleted User]

Superscraper's right, there's far too many variables to be able to make blanket comments like that.

Linux is not as heavensent as people would like to think :rolleyes:

glyn_s

Let's say the Acer Aspire One with Atom processor and1gb of ram - Xp versus Linpus linux?

Conor_3

glyn_s wrote: »

Interesting comments but can anyone tell me about thebootup times please? Help appreciated please.

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD...

BOOT UP TIME IS IRRELEVANT IF YOU CAN'T USE THE OPERATING SYSTEM.

If you don't know how to use the OS, the gains you make with the 10 seconds you save booting up will be lost with the hours you spend trying to use it.

I can work with Linux quite well so it makes no difference to me. Many people have tried Linux netbooks and returned them when they realised that it's a bit more complicated when it comes to adding hardware, software etc etc.

BTW, the distro that comes with Acers sucks. You're better getting shut and putting Ubuntu on.