Linux

gaming_guy

linux is free, safer, more secure than xp, patches are fixed within hours of exploits being found, not years like windows and loads of other things

AdrianR_2

gaming_guy wrote:

Linux is free, safer, more secure than xp, patches are fixed within hours of exploits being found, not years like windows and loads of other things

This is true, however an air of caution. Linux does take a while to convert yourself, and it is not a total transition. I currently use both operating systems because Linux is more secure, I do most online shopping and such through it. Linux also is quicker on startup, and has a multitude of free additional software, like Office programs that are 95% compatible if not Identical to MSOffice. Also If you like a program, have problems with it or just want to learn more, you are normally able to go on IRC (programs are included) and chat with the Authors and developers. It is a definite community thing.

There are some disadvantages, Due to regulations in certain countries, things like Flash, media codecs, and other items you expect to have easily on your system are not initially installed and can sometimes be a little tricky to get working. The tide is changing on this, but do not expect it to be an instant mirror image.
Programs, although very good, are currently not quite as good as those you pay for. Adobe Photoshop beats The GIMP but the divide is getting smaller.
Hardware drivers can be difficult. Again the tide is changing but I have not been able to get more than 1024*768 resolution on my ATI card when I know it can do better.

I am currently using Ubuntu, and I have installed the Kubuntu desktop alongside it (all sounds technical but its not) The best way to try linux is to download an burn a live CD, then simply put the CD in you PC, and restart your computer. It will not touch your pc and run everything from the disc. It is slower than a proper install but you should have 98% of all functions

superscaper

I tried various flavours of linux as an experiment on a spare base unit but there are no drivers for my wireless connection and the workarounds well.... didn't work. So just don't expect any help from manufacturers if you have any driver issues with linux. I may have been able to get it working in the end or I might not but it was far too much effort and I gave up.

wolfman

gaming_guy wrote:

on the september issue of personal computer world there were 3 versions of linux. for some reason the ubuntu 6.06 dapper drake doesnt want to run even thogh i have burnt it to a disk (cd-rw). i get as far as the menu ( start linux, memory check, etc) and then when i select start linux , the screen turns off and i have to reboot the computer

What kind of PC do you have? A core 2 Duo per chance?

If so there's a know bug, related to the 965P chipset (something to do with the cd drivers). It'll start to load and either reset or you'll just get a black screen. I got round the problem by using a usb key instead of cd.

It's fixed in 6.10 though. It's the latest version on the website that you can download.

gaming_guy

wolfman wrote:

What kind of PC do you have? A core 2 Duo per chance?

as i have said in posts #5 & #7 i have an amd athlon xp 3200

fox2319

Probably your graphics card. I've tried the live CD on 4 machines. It worked fine on my work desktop and laptop but not on my machine at home or my friends machine. I gave up on my main machine as I'm quite happy with things they way they are at the mo. Managed to get it working on my friends machine by removing an add-on graphics card and re-enabling the onboard graphics. Since then I installed it and it's running quite happily.

For info, there's a new version out (6.10). The only report I heard pointed to some stability issues but that was on a sample of 1. Chances are it works fine but you might want to give that a go if you get stuck.

Cheers

Jeff

GaryS

Currently running Ubuntu (with KDE desktop) dual booting with XP on a laptop as 2nd machine.
Initially had a problem getting the DLink wireless card to work.
Soon found a quick and easy fix on one of the many linux forums and all has been ok since.
11 yr old son runs it dual booting also.