which computer operating system?

aconitum

HI all,
I am a 30+ mum starting a nursing course in sept. I have been looking at laptops as the desktop at home is not very reliable and i have to fight hubbie and kids to get on it anyway. Someone suggested a linux run notebook may be suitable as I don't want to do anything except e-mail , go online and write essays and money is amazingly short. Would this be suitable..... will i have problems printing off my essays or emailing them to tutors etc..( it has been suggested that essays have to be submitted electronically? ) My knowledge of computers is minimal, I can manage to do the above on XP but will be on my own with linux as the more knowlegeable friends and family members are total microsoft junkies!!!!! Any thoughts

whitfreak

Netbooks are fine if you can handle how tiny they are. The only thing you need to watch with Linux is what programs you need to run. Open Office + Firefox + Thunderbird will do everything you need it to, but check with your college for any specific requirements as they might offer specific software for a bit of the course (unlikely for nursing), or require assessments in a specific format. Oh and double check that Linux has drivers for your printer, otherwise you'll be emailing them to yourself to print off your other machine.

My advice would be go into PC World or a computer shop with a large selection you can try out.

If Linux doesnt suit, and you get a Windows machine but you cant afford MSOffice (you should be eligable for the student edition) then there is a windows version of Open Office and the rest available to download for free.

Fire_Fox

Ideally you need a laptop with enough memory to store PDF documents - a lot of the research papers will be in this format and they do take up a fair bit of memory. Also ensure you are able to convert in both directions for your assignments as you may need to submit a draft to your tutors and then edit/ add/ revise sections.

I honestly think you will be best off with Microsoft/ Windows (much as I hate to say it) - but you should be able to get your hands on a cheap Student Office package either through the NHS, college itself or this website. You may also be able to get a student price on a laptop through the same channels if you are really tenacious - these things are a well kept secret!!

Just don't use Microsoft for your web browser, firewall or virus/ malware protection. Start from day one with some of the excellent free-to-download protection that is widely available - post on the MSE Techie Board for more advice on this. Don't network with the desktop until you are 100% sure it's clean - again Techie board for idiotproof instructions.