My move from Windows to a stable Linux/using big monitors

prost

I bought the parts to make a new quiet PC. I decided for many reasons I had to use Linux, which comes with virtually all of the software needed for all the files commonly used in Windows, including its superior equivalent to(& compatible with) Microsoft Office. I installed Linux (Mandriva 2007 which only cost me £4/$7) on my PC which has onboard graphics. It was easy to install & just about everything works great. I found that Linux uses generic drivers for most hardware, including the sound, onboard USB, serial port/broadband modems & display, so I never had to install any driver software at all (anyone wishing to use Linux can see what I did at www.linuxlinux.co.nr).

I installed Mandriva 32bit. I could have installed the 64bit version if I wanted to, but I needed to use certain Windows software using what's called Wine(Windows emulator). I do have a 64bit AMD Sempron cpu, but since I installed the 32bit OS I can't tell how much better it would have been, although I did read one review which said it was faster.

I have viewed dvd's which work fine. There's no spyware/virus problems either.

Linux automatically handles screen refresh rates. I found that Mandriva can use monitors with resolutions up to 1600x1200, flat screens up to 1920x1200. My motherboard's software drivers would never reach that much. And Microsoft, a commercial product, take little responsibility for writing generic hardware drivers. Even if the motherboard's XP drivers work with Vista, they probably won't with what comes afterwards. In the far future Linux will work with your current & older motherboard hardware.

Mandriva can take you through the wifi card set up if you have one. Linux comes with many printer drivers.

Linux will co-exist with Windows on the hard drive. I hear stories of people sticking with XP as they can't afford Vista, or 98 because they can't afford XP or using 64bit Linux because they're not paying for 64bit XP/Vista.

Mandriva & the other major Linux OSs come out every 6 months.

See
www.linuxforums.org/reviews/Mandriva_2007_review.html

zacspeed_2

Good to hear you're getting on well with it
It's a bit of a learning curve, but so would Windows be if you were you were new to that.
Hopefully as more people pick up on Linux, it'll overtake Windoze as the standard platform (especially if they release any more dogs like Vista) :T

fermi

Well done with Mandriva.

I'm currently running the cooker for the RC2 2008.0 release which is excellent apart from the odd bug. These should be sorted and a final iso DVD released early next week for public access (so I'm told).

BTW, please remove the link from your signature as they are not allowed on this forum.

Mat_Lock

I want to install Ubuntu Studio edition on my other hard drive however never get past the setup/install. Have no idea on it, I am very clueless with Linux unlike Windows stuff.

Shazmar_2

Mat_Lock wrote: »

I want to install Ubuntu Studio edition on my other hard drive however never get past the setup/install. Have no idea on it, I am very clueless with Linux unlike Windows stuff.

I have been toying with the idea of trying linux for a while and have just found a ComputerActive magazine (Ultimate Guide to Linux) complete with Ubuntu Linux 7.04 CD. It's a comprehensive guide and the cd gives you dozens of progs including office suite, photo and music, all for £6 from WH Smiths. May be a good place to start.

pepsi_max2k

I deffinately recommend Ubuntu for new users (and even those who've been using for a few years) as it's much easier to use than other distros (installing and configuring things mostly). And Ubuntu 7.10 is out in 13 days

Terry_Tibs

I have Ubuntu and I find it fantastic , I also find Automatix a very handy app which will dl and install most of the everyday stuff like swiftfox , opera , music players, chat clients, drivers, burning software etc etc etc.

0rsen

Mat_Lock wrote: »

I want to install Ubuntu Studio edition on my other hard drive however never get past the setup/install. Have no idea on it, I am very clueless with Linux unlike Windows stuff.

This is a great forum for newbies http://www.linuxquestions.org/.
I am now running Opensuse Linux and although it was a bit daunting at first I am going great guns thanks to the help I received from forum members.
And, of course, it's free.

unrich

The OP has a slight whiff of luncheon meat about it.

unrich

on second thoughts


:spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam:

shammyjack

unrich wrote: »

on second thoughts


:spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam::spam:

Why label an obviously helpful post from a newbie regarding open software as spam when it is impossible from them to gain financially from it ?

shammy